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News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of ConnecticutThu, 14 Dec 2017 00:45:11 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/http://0.gravatar.com/blavatar/22718143cc35715d77e187926ebda93b?s=96&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngOnly CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com
Stanley Bing: ‘Digital Immortality Could Happen In 20-25 Years’http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/07/stanley-bing-immortal-life-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/07/stanley-bing-immortal-life-interview/#respondThu, 07 Dec 2017 22:01:53 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=324897Author Stanley Bing discusses his new book "Immortal Life."]]>Imagine a world where you can live forever. Author Stanley Bing doesn’t think that world is too far away. Bing’s new book “Immortal Life,” explores the scientific and technological search for digital immortality. The longtime business columnist and author doesn’t call his writing science fiction, but instead speculative fiction. The book cover features the words “a soon to be true story” and Bing sees people today in Silicon Valley laying the groundwork for a society where you can download your consciousness into a younger body.

Bing chatted with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about his roots as a writer, how he wrote “Immortal Life” and why your brain is like a hard drive.

DJ Sixsmith: What are your earliest memories as a writer?

Stanley Bing: When I was a kid, I used to write stories based on the things that I had read at the time. That meant mostly animals killing each other, which was my big thing. I really loved the tiger coming out of the forest, then it saw the wildebeest and tore its throat out. That was pretty much what I was writing about at the time. Then when I was a teenager, I wrote a lot of moody poetry about how love is terrible and breaks your heart. When I got into business, I began to write about the workplace and how it affects businesses and organizations and what it’s like to work for a living. I’ve been doing that for quite some time. During that time, I’ve written some novels while I was working on my columns as Stanley Bing.

DS: Who are some writers that have inspired you over the years?

SB: From an early age, I really loved “Winnie The Pooh” and good stories like that. The person that really made me think that it was romantic and wonderful to be a writer was Jack London. Here we go again, the dogs are tearing out the throats of the wildebeests. I loved “The Call Of The Wild” and I know London is a little bit out of favor now with some views that weren’t completely of the 21st century, but I did love Jack London a lot. I loved “Moby Dick” and adventure stories and that is why my new book “Immortal Life” is an adventure story. I wanted it to move at a fast clip, so that people would have the ability to steam through it and wonder what will happen in the next chapter.

DS: How did you come up with your pen name Stanley Bing?

SB: I knew a guy in the workplace at the time whose name was Bing. I always felt it sounded like a sound effect, so I thought that was good. Obviously, other people agreed because Microsoft stole my name for a search engine. I’ve been Stanley Bing for a long time. I also wrote a play with a character named Stanley Bing in it. The character was cut out of the play and that was exactly around the time I began writing for Esquire. I took the name, used it and it has been good to me.

DS: Why did you want to write “Immortal Life?”

SB: This is a book about the scientific technological search for digital immortality. This is something that is being worked on right now. The central idea is that the brain is a computer. If you figure out a way to back up that computer, the way you would back up your hard drive right now, you would mirror that hard drive and then have a copy of a person – the person’s entire consciousness. Once you have that, then you have what’s called digital immortality. There are people from Oxford University and in Silicon Valley that believe this is the beginning of the efforts to live forever. We’re a culture that believes that technology can do anything. If you can invent it, you should invent it. That’s the premise of this book and I think it can exist in 20-25 years.

DS: What fascinates you the most when it comes to all of the technological advancements that have been made?

SB: What fascinates me is the question of whether humanity as we know it, the ability to think, feel and exist as a person, will exist if we continue to digitize experience. That to me is the central issue of the book. It’s about immortality and the things that technology can do. The question is also what will happen to people. Will there be human beings the way that we understand human beings in the future, if we continue to create virtual experience at the expense of actual experience?

DS: What would you do if you had digital immortality?

SB: I’d do it definitely, I don’t care. If I had to be a house plant sitting by the window for a few hundred years, I’d do it. I don’t want to go anywhere. That’s the immense drive of the scientists who are working on this now. Nobody really wants to die. There’s philosophical questions about it and people who say it would rob existence of meaning if there was no death.

DS: There are many layers to this conversation. What do you want the conversation to be when people finish reading your book?

SB: I’d like them to say it was a really great read and I’m going to recommend it to a bunch of people who like an exciting, thought-provoking and amusing story. I’d also like them to ask, “When’s it going to be made into a movie?”

“Immortal Life” was published by Simon & Schuster, a sister company of CBS. Stanley Bing is the pen name of Gil Schwartz, the Senior Executive VP and Chief Communications Officer for CBS Corporation.

18 years ago, Lance Barber had one goal when he moved from Chicago to Los Angeles. He didn’t want to wait tables or do construction to support his acting career. Fortunately, the 44-year-old has never had to do either. While there have been some leaner financial times for the Michigan native, Barber has had a steady flow of work since making the jump to LA. Barber stars as George Sr. in the new CBS sitcom “Young Sheldon.” George Sr. is struggling to find his footing as a high school football coach and as a father to a son he doesn’t really understand.

Barber chatted with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about working in network television, what to expect on tonight’s new episode of the show and how his time at The Second City in Chicago impacted his career.

DJ Sixsmith: You got your start in comedy at The Second City in Chicago. What do you remember most about your days on the stage in Chicago?

Lance Barber: I remember the camaraderie for the most part. I learned a wealth of knowledge that I still use today. What a fun community of people, it was a lot of smart and funny people coming together to do the same thing. Doing it in a city like Chicago was very memorable and there were nights that weren’t so memorable. I had a good time in that town in my early 20’s. I’m still pretty tight with much of the community and people I met there.

DS: How does your experience on “Young Sheldon” compare to other shows you’ve worked on?

LB: There’s a difference in network television in regards to the broad audience that you reach. I’ve done a lot of shows before and I’m a lucky enough person to be in this business to do roles that I get recognized for in public on occasion and it’s been just the right amount. It’s big for my ego, but no one bothers me. On a random occasion, people will come up to me and tell me they like what I do and it feels great. It hasn’t been bothersome by any means yet. You think about all of that stuff when you become an actor on television and what goes into the job for big business television.

DS: A new episode of the show called “A Brisket, Voodoo, and Cannonball Run,” airs tonight. What can people expect to see?

LB: I’m looking forward to this episode. This is an episode that deals with beef. I ate nearly my weight in brisket when we shot this episode. I ballooned, my heart has slowed down considerably, but it was well worth it. I committed to eating a lot of brisket to shoot this episode and I hope that it shows. I think it’s going to be a really funny episode. It’s not just a comedy, you’ll get to know the people. You’ll get to know Meemaw and George a little more tonight.

DS: You mentioned how you get noticed for certain roles in public. People must recognize you for your role of Bill Ponderosa on “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.” What was the best part of that experience?

LB: Always Sunny is a group of buddies that make a show and do what they want to do. They’ve been doing it for over a decade and being a part of that group and that little family is a delight every time. As you can imagine, they are fun and funny and good guys to be around. It’s been a highlight for me to play Bill Ponderosa. There’s definitely a certain demographic that watches that show.

DS: Finally, what’s been the proudest moment of your career?

LB: That’s a tough one, because I’m lucky that there have been a lot of proud moments. I’ve gotten to work with people I admire. When I came to Los Angeles from Chicago, my goal was to not wait tables and do construction anymore. In over 18 years, I haven’t done either of those things. I think that’s what I’m most proud of. I’m a working actor. There have been some lean times, but I’ve maintained my goal of being a working actor in Los Angeles.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/07/lance-barber-talks-young-sheldon-on-cbs/feed/0‘I was dumbfounded – I couldn’t believe that he threw it in the fire.’ Survivor Castoff Lauren Rimmer: Post Elimination Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/07/survivor-lauren-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/07/survivor-lauren-interview/#respondThu, 07 Dec 2017 17:58:33 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=324861CBS Local – This week’s episode of “Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers” went up in flames, literally, especially for this week’s castoff – Lauren Rimmer. She watched part of her hidden immunity idol get […]]]>CBS Local – This week’s episode of “Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers” went up in flames, literally, especially for this week’s castoff – Lauren Rimmer. She watched part of her hidden immunity idol get thrown in the fire by a fellow tribe mate. Here’s her unique perspective (as told to CBS Local’s Adam Bloom) on that exact moment in the show, as well as how it really feels to be part of the “loved ones challenge”.

SB: The first thing you know we’re going to talk about is that shell. There was a lot of emotion on your face when Dr. Mike tossed it into the fire. I would love to know what was going through your head when you knew he was doing it and the actual shock of going into the fire.

L: Well, my expression was “I am screwed and I can’t believe he just did that.” I was dumbfounded – I couldn’t believe that he threw it in the fire. I asked him several times why he did that and he’s telling me he did it because he wanted to. He’s always wanted to do that. But why? I think now – why didn’t I go pick it out of the fire and attempt to use it? I was just so shocked that he even did that and with all the commotion I just was in shock.

AB: It would have been an incredible TV moment had you gotten in that fire after the shell. I’m glad you didn’t do it from a safety perspective.

L: If I had thought about it – I totally would have gone and got it. I really have kicked myself in the tail for not even thinking about it because throughout my life I have to think about it two or three times before I even do it. I can’t believe I didn’t think about going and getting it because I would have done it in a heartbeat.

SB: The Tribal Council was something else – emotional and very explosive. Did you think that your alliance would implode like that and so quickly and so publicly?

L: No I didn’t. I really felt like Devin and Ashley were the only two I had after Dr. Mike threw the idol. I would have never guessed they would have all stuck with voting with Ben, but none of us knew Ben had an idol or I felt like we would have split the votes. So it is odd how it worked out.

AB: And it was an emotional show – we got to see a lot of raw emotion when the loved ones visited as well. What’s it like to be a part of that in real life?

L: It was wonderful being a part of it. I promised my sister. It was a lifetime experience for her and I promised her that I would get her there. And I did just to have her out there and granted we didn’t get to do a challenge together – that would have topped everything off for her to have that experience. It is very emotional because you have no contact with anyone for so long and then to see somebody that you love that comes out there and see you in the shape that you’re in, it’s very emotional. I would have never thought that I would have been like that but again you don’t know until you’re standing there and you experience everything that you’ve experienced.

SB: Is there anything that you would have changed about your game play or done differently?

L: There’s always things that you could have done differently. For me, I would have totally not given Mike the other part of the idol. At tribal that night, all I had to do was play my second advantage and vote Chrissy twice then it would have been one vote for me and two for Chrissy. Those are two main things that I regret and it cost me the game. I could have made it at least one more night but “shoulda, woulda, coulda.” I kick myself in the butt all the time for it.

AB: Would you play the game again if you had the opportunity?

L: I would definitely play again just to go back and try to do things differently and see if I can have a better game. I know I could have a better game – I feel like I’ve done really well considering I’m not socially out there as much as these people are. To go out there and everybody’s like, “You look so mad. You didn’t look happy then all of a sudden you’re grinning.” I’m always laughing and I’m always grinning. To go back and experience it again to try to accomplish being in the 1-2-3 would be really awesome.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/07/survivor-lauren-interview/feed/0Toni Trucks: ‘I’m Proud To Be Part Of SEAL Team’http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/04/toni-trucks-im-proud-to-be-part-of-seal-team/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/04/toni-trucks-im-proud-to-be-part-of-seal-team/#respondMon, 04 Dec 2017 19:21:22 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=324518Toni Trucks discusses her acting career and her work on "SEAL Team."]]>

Actress Toni Trucks has been keeping a log of her auditions since 2003. She can tell you everything she ever wore, who she auditioned for and what their response was. Inspired by her college professor, Trucks has been chronicling how many jobs she’s booked, how many times she’s been called back and how many times she’s been rejected for almost 15 years. In a career filled with many rejections and many different outfits, Trucks finally landed her dream role on CBS’s hit military drama “SEAL Team.”

Starring alongside David Boreanaz and Jessica Parè, the Michigan native plays a no-nonsense Logistics Coordinator for the SEAL Team named Lisa Davis, who is only concerned with if a person can execute their job at the highest level.

Trucks chatted with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about the biggest differences in the actress she was and is now, working with David Boreanaz and why she takes such pride in playing Lisa Davis.

DJ Sixsmith: What is the biggest difference between Toni Trucks from “Barbershop” and Toni Trucks on “SEAL Team?”

Toni Trucks: I was 100% green during “Barbershop.” I had never done any television at all or work on camera outside of school. I was really learning on camera when I did “Barbershop,” so that was interesting. I was really green, but I think that served me well too. I always had a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm, love for the work and I was just so excited to be on set. The similarity now is that I am very happy, excited and enthusiastic for the work with hopefully a bit more finesse in terms of execution.

DS: Why did you want to be in “SEAL Team” on CBS?

TT: “SEAL Team” appealed to me because of my character in particular Lisa Davis. I was seeing a woman in the military that was doing all the things that I wanted her to do. She is smart, strong, respected and beautiful and none of those things are mutually exclusive. She can be all things and that’s what I wanted to see. I didn’t want her to diminish her sexuality in any way because I felt like you can do all of those things. That script was providing me the opportunities to show all of the colors of this woman in a really exciting way. It was padded with such a high pedigree of writers, creators and directors and you are so safe as an actor when you are working with such high caliber people.

DS: You and your cast members underwent extensive preparation for the show and met with veterans who served in the military. What was the most eye opening part of that experience?

TT: I didn’t personally have an active working knowledge of the military. I didn’t have anyone in my immediate family that had served. There was a learning curve for me. I definitely was really affected and moved by the stories that I was ingesting each day from our tech advisors, who are Delta Force, Tier One Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. They’re the best of the best. Hearing their stories really affected me and some days I would need to go home and cry it out because I was trying to ingest a lot of information at once and apply it really quickly. I had to get in the mind of a soldier where you are in such high stakes situations all the time and thrust back into a more normal reality and the emotional toll that can take. Secondly, the thing that really affected me equally was the fun that we had. A lot of times, the stories we were told were so intense and then something funny would happen. I wondered how they found humor and joy in those moments that could potentially scar you. You learn so much about people and their character when you figure out what makes them laugh. Laughter can come at unexpected times.

DS: Previously you mentioned some characteristics of Lisa Davis. What’s it been like playing this role?

TT: When I was talking to women from the military, I was really interested in how women interact with each other. There’s only two regular women on our show, myself and Jessica Parè. I wanted to know if I’m rooting for her because she’s a woman, I know Toni Trucks would. In developing Davis, I love the notion that she’s really worked based. It’s really about the product. When she meets any person, it’s all about are you good at your job, are you reliable and do you execute your job. If so, Davis respects you and then moves forward from there. That’s the wiring of Lisa Davis. The proof is in the pudding. We are in such dangerous and high stakes situations and everyone needs to be functioning at the top of their game. My character is constantly asking “are you good at what you do,” and if not, then she doesn’t have a lot of time for you.

DS: David Boreanaz stars in this show as Jason Hayes. What’s been the best part of working with him?

TT: David has been such a gift to this cast. He came in for the pilot and instantly changed our dynamic for the better. He’s such a pro, he executes the work with such effortless precision and it’s a wonder to watch him do it. He can flip in and out and he’s never not having fun and that’s the most contagious part of David. When our cast is on set, we’re a little Instagram crazy because we are having so much fun all the time. We’ll be doing an intense scene and all of the sudden, David plays a song on his phone and it’s a dance party. We execute the work efficiently and we’re never not having a good time. He’s always reminding us that you can do good work, be a good person and have fun. David is a generous actor. He wonderfully puts you at ease and he takes liberties to make things feel natural and conversational.

TT: I have two moments. We as actors experience enormous and mass rejection, so whenever you get a call for a job, it’s a euphoric experience. I keep an audition log and there’s years when it has been 67 auditions and three booked. Those sort of numbers take a toll on your emotional health. You go on auto pilot and you become so used to the rejection. Getting the job is so fun. I remember booking “Barbershop.” The notion of auditioning for “Barbershop” was crazy for me because I was coming from the musical theater world. Then when I booked it, I couldn’t contain myself. I remember seeing a friend from my hometown that evening and thinking about how a little girl from a tiny town in Michigan was going to be on this TV show. We were euphoric. My proudest moment had to do with “SEAL Team.” We went to the Upfront presentation and I hadn’t seen one clip from the show yet. I saw it on the Carnegie Hall stage for the first time when they showed an extended trailer to the advertisers. I just started crying, I just couldn’t contain myself. I felt pride to be part of a show like this. It looked so good, it felt so good and I was surrounded by such wonderful actors. I’ve been excited about projects in the past, but in this I really felt excited and proud. I told people that I wanted them to see this show because this show is really good. I’m proud to be part of this show.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/12/04/toni-trucks-im-proud-to-be-part-of-seal-team/feed/0‘I gave it my all – 120 percent.’ ‘Survivor’ Castoff Joe’s Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/30/survivor-joe-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/30/survivor-joe-interview/#respondThu, 30 Nov 2017 19:44:25 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=324225Joe Mena opens up about his time on "Survivor."]]>CBS Local – After a stunning double-elimination episode, he man almost always looking for a hidden immunity idol, Joe Mena, is now the fourth member of the jury ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers v. Hustlers.’ Here’s his unique perspective (as told by CBS Local’s Adam Bloom and Samantha Bennet) on how he was portrayed on the show and who his game play most emulates.

AB: After watching the show, what was your feelings now knowing that Ben was playing this double agent?

J: Kudos to him for playing double agent. I don’t think that would have changed anything with the outcome. I was completely surprised with him playing double agent. I was more surprised that Lauren, Ashley and Devin would allow anybody to play double agent – something I would never allow or think anyone would allow someone to do. It goes along with the theme of the season which is mistake after mistake so kudos to Ben for playing the role.

AB: It is risky because he could have told them misinformation – you never know that he could be trusted.

J: Yeah, especially someone as dangerous as Ben – you’re just handing him more ammo. It’s good for Ben but I don’t think that benefits the three at all. I don’t see how they would benefit from that but let’s see how that plays out.

SB: The big thing with you playing on “Survivor” was always looking for an idol – were you looking for an idol before the last immunity challenge as well?

J: Where Ben found the clue – I would [go to the bathroom] there every single day and I would look in that area every day. That was my go-to spot and kudos to Ben for finding that clue because I never found it and I would go there literally everyday. I would look for coconuts and that’s where the name coconuts came up. Mike and I would go around looking for coconuts and we would knock them from the tree. So once again – we missed a base on a tree. I would look for idols pretty often but I never had an hour to look – it would be like a minute or two. They definitely had the eyes on me. I’m not sure how previous players were able to look for idols for hours because no one was allowed to look for more than maybe five minutes at a time.

AB: You mentioned coconuts – that was a really fun part of the show. You and Mike need to tour the country as the coconuts group. Did you think that was actually going to be highlighted on the show?

J: They had to highlight it! This went on for quite some time – it wasn’t just three days. Our bond was formed maybe after Desi and coconuts emerged as far as the name after Cole’s vote out. Our relationship was pretty dynamic – it was an odd combo but it really did work out. Mike is overall a good solid guy and he’s hilarious. I don’t think things serious and he doesn’t so we played off of that.

SB: Do you have any regrets about the way you may have been portrayed on the show? When you watch yourself – are you surprised?

J: I love it – I love my portrayal for so many reasons. I gave it my all – 120 percent. I’m imperfect. I make errors. I get angry at times. I think my portrayal was great because it shows different sides of the game. In the game currently – some people portray as if they’re angels and they’re not. I’m not concerned about my edit. My friends and family know who I am and if you look at the edit it’s like “Joe’s playing the game.” The rest of players respect me. They may not like me necessarily but they definitely respect me.

AB: Does your real live experience help you to determine if people were lying and if so, who would you say is the best liar out there?

J: I spent enough time with Devin. Devin, Mike and myself would always sleep in the same area so I had some really deep conversations with Devin – he would strategize a lot. Obviously I wasn’t a part of his strategy – he’s very open about it. He said, “At the end of the day, we’ll probably vote for you. You played a really good game. You’re strategic and playing one hundred percent.” So I knew Devin was playing this role but I knew he was playing a good game as well. So I think he convinced everyone else that he was dumb but I knew he wasn’t. Everyone lied. Chrissy lied about her age – we all knew she wasn’t 38 or 39 years old. Ryan lied about being a community college kid – we all knew something was up with that. I think we were all horrible liars. I lied about being a PO. I don’t think anyone picked up on that. I think horrible and great liars. I don’t think I can answer that. Ben maybe – he played a good role being the spy that he was. I had no idea but I knew he had a relationship with Lauren because of Yawa. I knew he had a relationship with Ashley from the Heroes.

SB: Which one of the players from “Survivor” do you think you modeled your game after or strategy or did you just play it as your own?

J: My strategy was to go in there and not have a strategy to be honest. But once you’re in the game – you have to figure it out. I absolutely wanted to look for idols like Tony. I definitely wanted to do that. I went out there and played aggressive like Tony – I found the two idols and then I decided to piss everybody off and hopefully drag me to the end but that didn’t work in my favor at all.

The 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which was taped at Shanghai, China’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, was the most enjoyable presentation the lingerie maker has put on in years. It featured a slew of excellent musical performances from a quartet of very talented recording artists, a heartfelt goodbye from a legendary supermodel, and lots and lots of elegant lingerie. Here’s a rundown of this very enjoyable and glamorous special.

What Makes You Beautiful

The show started with an appropriately epic opening wherein the first group of Victoria’s Secret Angels took the stage while Harry Styles performed his hit single “Kiwi.” The ladies were led by Candice Swanepoel, who made a return to the Victoria’s Secret runway for the first time since giving birth to her son Anacã in October of 2016. The South African beauty looked absolutely stunning in a black and red plaid outfit designed by French fashion house Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing.

A Winter’s Tale

Next, R&B superstar Miguel and Chinese pianist Li Yundi collaborated on a performance of the former’s new track “Pineapple Skies.” As they performed, models wearing pieces from the Victoria’s Secret’s “Porcelain Angel” collection walked the runway. Inspired by the ornamental aesthetics of the Ming Dynasty, this collection featured pieces in various gorgeous blue and white hues. Despite its stated inspirations, the whole thing kind of came off like the world’s sexiest winter solstice party.

The Angels Protect Us

The winter party was followed by a taped segment in which two Victoria’s Secret Angels learned some martial arts moves from a Shanghai-based fight choreographer and Kung Fu practitioner. While Angels Jasmine Tookes and Josephine Skriver didn’t look competition-ready after the training was done, they could probably make the cut as assassins in the next Taylor Swift video.

The Story of the Night

Returning to the actual show, “Hamilton’s” Leslie Odom, Jr. performed a sublime mashup of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” and Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michelson’s “Winter Song.” Sadly, this portion of the show was marred when model Ming Xi slipped and fell on her way down the runway. This was unfortunate incident for Xi, as she is a hometown girl and her parents were in the audience. But as Odom rightly noted, it’s not about how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get back up again.

Dust My Shoulders Off

Moving on to happier events, Chinese singer Jane Zhang was absolutely amazing during her performance of her songs “Celebrate” and “808.” The singer has an energetic stage presence and angelic singing voice (pun definitely intended). It’s easy to her being a massive crossover star in the US. Also, the Victoria’s Secret’s PINK Millennial Nation athleisure wear collection, which was modeled while Zhang performed, looked both sexy and comfortable so it’ll likely do incredibly well.

City of Angels

Next up, Victor Secret’s “Nomadic Angels” line was presented while Miguel performed his “Told You So.” This collection was designed with the intent of celebrating multiculturalism and that mandate could be seen in the very stylish line’s various African, Asian Native American, South American and European influences. This portion of the show also featured some backstage interviews with various Angels who earnestly explained how proud they were to represent their nations through the Victoria’s Secret brand.

Despedida, Alessandra!

The “Nomadic Angels” presentation was a bit bittersweet as it featured the last Victoria’s Secret runway appearance of supermodel Alessandra Ambrósio. Long associated with the brand, Ambrósio is a veteran of 17 Victoria’s Secret shows. Some of her VS highlights include being the first spokesmodel for the PINK line, appearing on a fashion show only three months after giving birth to her first child and previously modeling the $2.5 million jewel-encrusted Dream Fantasy Bra. During her last walk down the runaway, Ambrósio blew her fans a grateful kiss goodbye.

Sign of the Times

Finally, Harry Styles closed out the show with a performance of his single “Only Angel.” This final presentation was definitely the most fun of this year’s show. Abandoning their normal composure, the Angels cut loose during their final walk down the runway, giggling, cheering and pointing to friends and family in the audience. The models were clearly having a lot of fun and their joy was infectious. Lastly, the entire Victoria’s Secret 2017 Fashion Show class gathered together and took a bow. It was a very enjoyable ending to a very enjoyable show.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/28/artisans-victorias-secret-fashion-show/feed/0Destination Shanghai: The Making Of The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Showhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/28/destination-shanghai-the-making-of-the-victorias-secret-fashion-show/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/28/destination-shanghai-the-making-of-the-victorias-secret-fashion-show/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 18:54:04 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=323955Long before the Angels hit the runway in Shanghai, a lot of work went into making it happen.]]>

Long before the Angels hit the runway in Shanghai, a lot of work went into making it happen. Watch how the team dreams big and plans accordingly for the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion — coming to you from China.

James Brown, Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald. These are just a few legends to perform at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. You can now add Bruno Mars to the list. The 5x Grammy Award winner is coming to the Apollo for his first television special called “Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live At The Apollo.” Mars filmed the special during a few off days from his 24K Magic world tour and the electrifying primetime performance begins with him atop the Apollo’s landmark marquee. The 32-year-old is one of the hottest artists in music today and was just nominated for six Grammys.

Mars spoke to CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about his earliest memories of the Apollo, why this theater is such a magical place and why 24K Magic was the perfect album to use for a TV special.

DJ Sixsmith: How did this special come together on CBS?

Bruno Mars: CBS wanted to rock and I said let’s go. I wish there was a better story, but that’s it.

DS: Everyone has a special connection to the Apollo Theater in Harlem. What are your earliest memories of the Apollo?

BM: Watching “Showtime At The Apollo.” Before “American Idol,” before “The X-Factor” or any kind of singing competition, that’s what I grew up watching. I remember watching that with my family and the laws of “Showtime At The Apollo” were if you got it, they are going to cheer you on and if you don’t, they’re going to let you know that you ain’t sh**. They’ll pull you off and you got to think about another career option maybe. I love that mentality as an entertainer, make sure you go up on that stage and give it to them. If you’re going to do it, do it right because they will let you know. They need to protect that theater at all costs because it’s a magical place and being in there, we felt it. It definitely gave us some other thing when we were performing and I think the audience felt it too. Watching the show in that theater is a special experience. Hopefully we captured that feeling on tape.

DS: You said in the past that you want your music to make people feel things they haven’t felt before. What did you specifically feel when you were on the stage at the Apollo Theater?

BM: Well, can I be honest? Because it’s on TV and we didn’t want any footage of it to get out there, so we asked people to put their phones away. That experience alone is something that I haven’t felt in a long time. Even watching the footage back, seeing people dance and not holding their phones up, it almost looked vintage. You don’t see that anymore. It was nice that people weren’t trying to get the shot or trying to post it anywhere. They were really in the moment and that made us as a band be in the moment because we are looking at people who are dancing and we are seeing the smiles on their faces and people reacting to whatever we are doing on stage. Sometimes cell phones block that. It was nice to be in a controlled environment where people were in there to have a good time and party and that was it.

DS:You spent some time in Harlem interacting with the locals. What was it like to get to know the people of Harlem and the borough itself?

BM: It was just cool to be driving around Harlem and talking to people in Harlem because it felt like they embraced us with open arms. Everywhere we went it was like “Yo Bruno, welcome to Harlem.” I don’t see that happening in Burbank, it was cool. We felt the love and it gave us this vibe to go perform the show and pass out tickets and we tried to bring as many people from Harlem to the show. It was exciting to be able to get out there and tell people to bring their friends and their family to the show. It was magical.

DS: What was the biggest surprise to you about the whole experience?

BM: That we pulled it off. You never know what things are going to look like or feel like. I was just happy that we were able to do it. We captured it. I guess that’s what you want when you are doing TV because it’s hard to replicate the feeling of being in the room. Sometimes, you perform and say “man that felt great” and then I’ll watch it later and think “Oh, that’s not what it felt like” or “I could have done better.” This is something that I feel like we came prepared for… At this very moment in time, it felt like the right opportunity. It felt like the right thing to do with the right album.

DS:What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting this project together?

BM: Being on tour. We had a couple of days off and we turned those days off into a TV special. It would’ve been much easier for us to throw some cameras up at one of these venues we’re playing at on the road and put that out. I felt like that wasn’t enough. It needed to be something unique and different and it needed to get people excited. Hopefully, it’ll feel a little bit more intimate and up close being in the theater setting.

DS: What do you want people to be thinking about by the end of the show?

BM: The message is all about this album and giving people the visuals of what I wanted to do with this album, the vibe that I wanted to create, the environment and the world I wanted to create with this feel good R&B. This band is relentless and they’re going to get you moving and they are going to be draped and cloaked in chains. I hope it is going to tie everything in. Maybe there are going to be some people that say “Oh, now that I see it, I understand. I understand what this whole message was about.” It’s just about this feel good music, bringing people together and getting everybody dancing under one roof.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/28/bruno-mars-interview-cbs/feed/0Meet The 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Modelshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/28/2017-victorias-secret-fashion-show-models/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/28/2017-victorias-secret-fashion-show-models/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 18:14:21 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=323939Returning Victoria's Secret Angels and models and a whole crop of ecstatic newcomers are ramping up to hit the runway at the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show which will air Nov. 28 on CBS.]]>

by Lori Melton

A legion of beautiful ladies will hit the runway in Shanghai for the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which will air Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. on CBS. Here’s a closer look at the models who are strutting the catwalk this year.

Adriana Lima

This 36-year-old Brazilian beauty was named “the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel” by analytics company D’Marie in January 2017. She had the distinct honor of wearing the Fantasy Bra twice, once in 2008 and again in 2010. Lima notably helped Victoria’s Secret score a major Super Bowl ad win by starring in the most-watched commercial of the 2008 game, drawing in 103.7 million viewers. She’s been with the brand since 1999 and has also been a Maybelline spokesmodel. The model has two children and can speak four languages — Portuguese, English, Italian and Spanish.

(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Alessandra Ambrosio

Alessandra Ambrosio is also a native of Brazil, and has been with Victoria’s Secret for almost two decades. She notably served as the brand’s first spokesmodel for its PINK line. The beloved Angel has represented multiple major brands beyond Victoria’s Secret, including Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren and Armani Exchange. Ambrosio has made several cameo appearances on popular TV shows including “Entourage,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “New Girl.” In the 2005 VS Fashion Show, the mother of two wore lingerie made entirely of candy.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Martha Hunt

This American Angel hails from North Carolina. The 28-year-old has walked for over 180 fashion shows for fashion icons like Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton and more. This year marks Hunt’s fourth Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and she’s good friends with two-time Victoria’s Secret performer and Grammy-winning superstar Taylor Swift.

(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Stella Maxwell

Stella Maxwell was born and raised in Belgium by Northern Irish parents, before moving to New Zealand as a teen. She stands 5 ft. 9 in. tall and is 27-years-old. Maxwell earned her Victoria’s Secret wings in 2015, and Shanghai marks her third Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show walk. She’s been dating “Twilight” franchise star Kristen Stewart since last year.

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Candice Swanepoel

South African native Candice Swanepoel earned her Victoria’s Secret Angel wings in 2010 and she opened the first Canadian Victoria’s Secret store that same year. In 2013, Swanepoel was selected to wear the 10-million-dollar Fantasy Bra. The bra and matching belt boasted over 4,200 gems. She has designed denims for a South African HIV charity, Mother2Mother.

(Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Swarovski)

Jasmine Tookes

This bubbly California native Angel notably wore last year’s diamond and emerald-laden Bright Night Fantasy Bra. Tookes earned her Angel wings in 2015 and has walked runways for major brands including Giorgio Armani, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney and more. She and her sister are 19 years apart and she participated in gymnastics for 10 years, before turning to modeling at age 15.

(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Lily Aldridge

Like Tookes, this brunette Angel hails from California. Lily Aldridge earned her Victoria’s Secret Angel wings in 2010 and wore the Fireworks Fantasy Bra in 2015. She debuted on the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue” 50th Anniversary cover alongside Chrissy Tiegen and Nina Agdal. She’s appeared in several music videos, including Taylor Swift’s award-winning “Bad Blood” video as her alter ego, Frostbyte. Aldridge is married to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill and they share a daughter.

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Taylor Hill

At 21, this Midwestern native Angel is the youngest in the pack. Taylor Hill was born in Illinois and raised in Colorado with three siblings, two of which are also models. She was named the face of Lancome in 2016. This year marks her fourth walk down the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.

(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Bella Hadid

Bella is younger sister to former Victoria Secret Model Gigi Hadid. The 21-year-old brunette was an equestrian Olympic hopeful, but was forced to give up the sport due to a battle with Lyme disease. She went to college for photography and made her New York Fashion Week debut with Desigual in 2014. The younger Hadid starred in the holiday campaign for Topshop and Victoria’s Secret PINK line in 2015. She returns to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway for the second time this year.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2017 performer lineup has been announced and four talented artists are set to provide an explosive musical backdrop for this year’s world-renowned event. International music superstar Harry Styles, Grammy Award-winning artist Miguel, Tony Award-winning Broadway star Leslie Odom, Jr., and Chinese music sensation Jane Zhang will perform at the critically-acclaimed event, which takes place at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai. The show will air here in the U.S. on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on CBS.

Read on below for more information about the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show performers.

Harry Styles

British native heartthrob Harry Styles rose to fame in 2010 as a member of the internationally-beloved boy band One Direction. 1D sold over 70 million albums worldwide and was the first band to have their first four albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. The British-Irish band went on hiatus in January 2016 to pursue solo endeavors. Harry Styles dropped his self-titled art-rock debut solo album this past May and it shot straight to the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the U.K. and the U.S. The album’s lead single, “Sign of the Times,” also topped the U.K. Singles Chart. “Two Ghosts” followed as the album’s second single and most recently, “Kiwi,” was released as the third single. He is currently on extensive worldwide solo tour to support the album.

Miguel

Miguel is a musically-diverse artist who also entered the music landscape in 2010 with his critically-acclaimed debut album, All I Want Is You. He gained widespread attention with his 2012 follow-up, Kaleidoscope Dream. Miguel received multiple Grammy nominations for the album, including Best Contemporary Urban Album and a Grammy win for Best R&B song for “Adorn.” His third studio album, Wildheart, was released in 2015 and earned Miguel two more Grammy nominations. The California native singer-songwriter incorporates, R&B, funk, hip-hop, rock, pop, and neo soul into his music. His highly-anticipated fourth studio album War & Leisure is slated to drop on Dec. 1.

Leslie Odom, Jr.

Leslie Odom, Jr. is best-known for his Tony Award-winning performance as Aaron Burr in the world-renowned Broadway musical “Hamilton.” The musical won scored 16 Tony nominations in 2016, including Best Musical, and Odom, Jr. snagged a Best Actor in a Musical Tony Award as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for being a principal vocalist on the album. He also released a self-titled solo album in 2014, as well as a Christmas album in 2016. The charismatic performer has acted on television and film on shows like “Smash,” “CSI: Miami,” “Person of Interest,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Supernatural,” “The Good Wife,” and more. He is also starring in this year’s blockbuster film, “Murder on the Orient Express.”

Jane Zhang

Chinese native singing sensation Jane Zhang embarked on her music career after winning third place in the 2005 Chinese singing contest “Super Girl.” Zhang has released six studio albums and won multiple awards, including a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Original Song in 2009, Best Asian Artist at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, and the 2015 winner of Best Worldwide Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She signed under Sony Music China for her seventh studio album, The Seventh Sense. She earned the nickname “The Dolphin Princess” for her ability to sing in the whistle register. She notably joins American superstars Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Sarah Brightman with this vocal skill.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/28/here-are-the-performers-for-this-years-victorias-secret-fashion-show/feed/0‘I did not mentally prepare myself to be that hungry’ ‘Survivor Castoff Cole’s Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/27/survivor-cole-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/27/survivor-cole-interview/#respondMon, 27 Nov 2017 18:40:35 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=323807CBS Local – The second member of the ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ jury has been chosen. We had the chance to interview the latest cast off of the new season, Cole Medders. Here’s his unique perspective (as told to […]]]>CBS Local – The second member of the ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ jury has been chosen. We had the chance to interview the latest cast off of the new season, Cole Medders. Here’s his unique perspective (as told to CBS Local’s Adam Bloom and Samantha Bennet) on being marked as the tribe member who eats too much, and his show relationship with Jessica.

AB: At this point in the game after the merge – it seems like the stronger physical players are targeted. What was your strategy after the merge?

C: Going into the merge – I heard pretty quickly that I had a big target on my back and we were now in the minority after that first vote. We found that out the hard way, the Healers. At this point, it’s basically find an idol, win immunity, or I’m probably going home. That was one hundred percent true. But there wasn’t a lot I could do to take that target off my back, especially thanks to Ben. He had done a great job at painting me out as a villain going into the merge. He had told everyone of my eating habits and exaggerated them to a point where everyone would think I was a liability to have around even though those habits stopped at the merge.

SB: We notice as viewers – you often get in trouble for eating too much. How difficult was it to avoid the temptation on the island? How do you stop yourself?

C: I think I would have been able to stop myself had I gone into it knowing how hungry I would get. I did not mentally prepare myself to be that hungry. I think if I had watched the show more, I would have realized how challenging it actually was. I think at that point – by not watching the show enough – I doomed myself to be subject to me getting really hungry like that and making poor decisions.

AB: Is there anything you ate out there that you never thought you would eat?

C: I would say it was my first time to eat an earthworm, but that would be false.

AB: When you saw how close you were to that advantage with the nails – what was your reaction when you were watching it on the show.

C: There were a few moments that I hit myself in the head and the advantage with the nails was one of them. It was so obvious – it was right there.

AB: It’s hard when you haven’t eaten and your mind is depleted to just always be thinking that there could be something to help you in this game.

C: The sad thing was – that was immediately after a giant feast so I wasn’t quite as starved as I usually was.

SB: After Jessica was voted off – how often did you think about her? How were your feelings with her not being in the game?

C: I was torn about it at first. She was the one I could go to to talk to about anything and she actually listened. It didn’t always feel like I was playing the game with her which was probably one of my biggest failings too – not thinking that the game was always going on. I did think about her a lot when she was there. I talked to her every day because I did feel alone and by myself. I didn’t really have any alliances. Even though Joe and Mike were there – they still had their own agenda.

SB: Besides eating, what was the most challenging part about being on that island – maybe things that you weren’t anticipating?

C: Physically, other than the food, it was not a challenge for me. I was comfortable sleeping on the ground. The sand was okay, being dirty, bathing in the ocean – I’d done that regularly in my professional life. That’s what I do for a job. The hardest part for me outside of the food was emotional loneliness. You can’t fully put your trust in any of those people out there. You really miss your family because they’re always there for you and have your back no matter what. You don’t have anyone like that out there. It can be a very lonely game at times. I guess that’s what made me miss Jess more after she left.

AB: Would you want to do this game again?

C: A hundred percent, yes. I think I have all the right ingredients to actually pull it off or go a lot deeper than I did. If I approached the game with more self-awareness and self control – I could do a lot better especially because no one really saw the game I am capable of playing. They just saw my mistakes – on TV at least.

The 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show is headed to the Far East. For the first time ever, the show will be filmed in Shanghai, China. This year’s production features appearances from musicians Harry Styles and Leslie Odom Jr. and returning Victoria’s Secret Angels such as Adriana Lima, Josephine Skriver and Martha Hunt. This year’s performance will be broadcast in more than 190 countries.

Skriver and Hunt talked with CBS Local about what fans can expect this year, their paths to becoming Victoria’s Secret Angels and the greatest challenges associated with being in the world’s most celebrated fashion show.

What can people anticipate when they watch The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China?

Josephine Skriver: The biggest runway lingerie show of the century. There’s going to be rock stars, rock and roll and fun!

Martha Hunt: This is the first time we brought it this far east. We brought it all the way to Shanghai, China, which is very exciting. The fans were so warm and welcoming, we felt like rock stars. We had rock stars in the show like Harry Styles, Leslie Odom Jr., Miguel and Jane Zhang, the Chinese pop star artist.

How did this show compare to shows from the past that you both have been involved with?

JS: This show was the biggest show I’ve ever been a part of. We had more audience members than ever before, we even had a mosh pit of fans at the end. We felt like rock stars and there have never been this many girls in the show. There were two entrances, so you are going to see girls from each side. There’s going to be more action than ever.

MH: This is the first time that two girls have come out at once, so it’s twice the fun. It was our first time doing this in an arena stadium. We’re not used to that, we’re used to doing it in smaller venues. This stadium was epic, we were freaking out a little bit.

This was the first time the show was filmed in Shanghai. What was the most surprising thing you two learned about Chinese culture?

JS: I had no idea we had fans that far. Coming from Denmark and coming from such a small country, it still amazes me that I have fans all over the globe and that Victoria’s Secret does too. They were waiting outside of the hotel, sleeping outside the hotel and waiting where the buses went. It was so amazing.

MH: The fans were also very thoughtful. They would bring out our magazine covers and make posters for us. One of them even knew that red pandas are my favorite animal. They were waving around red pandas. They knew so much about us. There’s a big Victoria’s Secret fan base in China.

How did you become a Victoria’s Secret Angel? Josephine, let’s start with you.

JS: When I was 15, I got discovered in New York City by a scout and said no. I kept getting stopped and then I took it into my own hands to sign with a modeling agency. Slowly but surely, I worked a little bit every year with Victoria’s Secret and five years later I became a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

Same question for you Martha.

MH: I graduated from high school in North Carolina and moved to New York City to pursue my dream. But, I definitely wasn’t an overnight sensation. It took years and I had to be pretty resilient to stick through it. Eventually, Victoria’s Secret called me and it was a great call. I was happy. Luckily, they kept calling. This is my fifth show now and it feels like the first time every time. Every show is different with the performers, the energy, the venue and the location. Every year it gets more exciting. It is a legendary production to be part of.

What is the biggest challenge about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

JS: I think its calming my nerves. I don’t sleep the week before the show because I’m so impatient and I just want it to happen. I just need to be more patient about it. I always want the next show to happen now.

MH: I don’t know if there’s one thing that’s most challenging. I would say the preparation isn’t easy. We’re kind of used to that because we have to be lingerie ready year-round. It’s a mix of that and the obstacles on the runway. You never know what you are going to get, whether it’s a performer in your way or wings in your way. If glitter falls, everyone is afraid of falling.

What does it mean to be associated with Victoria’s Secret and be in this show?

JS: This puts you on the map like nothing else. Being part of the Angel legacy or the show changes your career. It puts you under the biggest spotlight possible.

MH: It’s a dream come true. I remember being in middle school and watching these girls on the runway, thinking that I’ve never seen something so glamorous in my entire life. To be a part of it, is an actual dream come true and I hope we can continue that legacy for the next generation of Victoria’s Secret Angels to come.

Actor Tim Meadows admits he’s not the biggest star in Hollywood, but he’s had some of the most memorable performances in television shows and movies over the past 20 years. The 56-year-old shined as The Ladies Man on “Saturday Night Live” and Mr. Duvall from “Mean Girls.” Meadows stars in CBS All Access’s first original comedy called “No Activity.” The show is being executive produced by Adam McKay and Will Ferrell and tells the story of the mundane in what should be a high stakes sting operation. The program premiered earlier this month and features cameos this season from Ferrell, J.K. Simmons and Jason Mantzoukas.

Meadows spoke with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about “No Activity,” why he loves working with Ferrell and how this comedy will be different from other shows on television.

DJ Sixsmith: “No Activity” is CBS All Access’s first original comedy. Why did you want to get involved with this project?

Tim Meadows: I love working first of all. They sent me the pilot of the show and I just thought it was really funny. I just wanted to be a part of it.

DS: You play Detective Judd Tolbeck. How would you describe him?

TM: Tolbeck is a veteran police officer and he doesn’t like to cause any trouble. I just think he wants to retire. He’s proud of the fact that he hasn’t fired his gun in the entire time he’s been a policeman. He thinks that he’s in a wonderful marriage and a great relationship and he thinks that he should be able to give advice to his friends and his partner. You find out as the show goes on that the relationship that he’s in is not that great and it’s a little bit weird. I try to make all of my characters different.

DS: This show features Will Ferrell and Adam McKay as executive producers. You go way back with those guys to your days on Saturday Night Live. What do you remember about working with Ferrell and McKay on SNL?

TM: Will has always been one of my favorite performers. He is one of my favorite people to work with. We would do scenes together and try to make each other break and laugh. It was always fun doing scenes with him because he would get this look in his eyes and you knew what was coming. McKay I’ve known since Second City, he’s from Chicago. He’s one of the best improvisers I’ve ever worked with. He’s always really quick and very smart.

DS: You were at SNL during an incredible time in the 1990’s with guys like Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Chris Farley and Dana Carvey. What stands out to you the most about that time in your career?

TM: The thing I enjoyed the most was rewrite meetings on Thursdays. I looked forward to it and I looked forward to helping other writers on the show make their sketches better. I looked forward to hanging out with 12 to 15 of the funniest people in the country.

DS: You’ve made a lot of different cameos on shows this year. What were some of your favorite experiences?

TM: They were all enjoyable. I really enjoyed doing “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” this year because I love Andy Samberg and I love working with him. He’s funny and creative and he’s a nice guy. I love doing “The Goldbergs” because it is a great set to go work on. Everyone on the show is super nice and it is very relaxed. I did an episode of “Man With A Plan” on CBS with Matt LeBlanc, I’m going to do that some more. It’s the same thing, a veteran comedic actor who runs a very relaxed set.

DS: What’s it like to be identified as The Ladies Man from SNL by one generation and Mr. Duvall in “Mean Girls” by another generation?

TM: It’s always surprising. I’m always very touched when people appreciate the work. I’m not a big star, I’m just a comedic actor who’s been in a lot of different things. When people recognize me or tell me they appreciate something that I’ve done, it’s nice. It means that I stood out in a big project and made an impact on them.

DS: Finally, what do you hope people think about “No Activity” on CBS All Access?

TM: I hope people will watch and appreciate the fact that it’s a different type of comedy. When I started doing improv, we would do harolds, which is long form improv. It took a while for people to understand what the harold was because it wasn’t just a joke-fest sketch. It developed and took time and build. You always appreciated a good harold at the end of it because it would all come together and make sense. I think it’s the same thing with “No Activity.” You have to be patient and give the show a little bit of time and get used to the rhythm of the comedy. After that, I think you’ll really like it!

Catch the next episode of “No Activity” Sunday, November 26 on CBS All Access.

David Koechner knows how to make people laugh. He’s done it as an anchorman named Champ Kind, as a traveling salesman named Todd Packer and now he displays his comedic gift weekly as Carl “Tush” Tushinski on CBS’s “Superior Donuts.” The Missouri native describes his character “Tush” as a survivor who works a different job every week. Koechner has been part of many hits shows and movies, but this one is different because of the presence of the show’s star Judd Hirsch.

Koechner talked with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about Hirsch, working with this week’s guest star Cedric The Entertainer and his career in entertainment.

DJ Sixsmith: You grew up in Missouri and your family was in the turkey coop manufacturing business. What were Thanksgivings like at the Koechner residence?

David Koechner: The turkey coop business is year round. Turkey coops are basically livestock transportation vehicles. You’re not housing one bird, its 188 cages on a 40 foot flatbed trailer. That’s the business we were in and it wasn’t seasonal because people like to eat that bird year round. Thanksgiving wasn’t different than any other week.

DS: What’s been the coolest part of your experience on “Superior Donuts” so far?

DK: The coolest thing is working with this cast, they are incredible. We’re a pretty deep cast. Judd Hirsch is a legend. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen him on Broadway, but I had the opportunity years ago to see him in a show called “Conversations With My Father.” It was one of the greatest theatrical experiences I’ve ever witnessed personally. It blew me away. Every week, I get to work with this guy and do an acting clinic with a master. We’re so fortunate because we do our show in front of a live audience on our tape night, so it’s like we’re putting a play on. That is something that is fantastic to do. This job shoots 10 minutes from my house. I got it all going on.

DS: What can viewers expect on tonight’s episode called “Thanks For Nothing?”

DK: Tonight we have an extra special Thanksgiving episode with Cedric The Entertainer guest starring as Franco’s father, Reggie Wicks. That guy is unique and rare. I’ve worked with a lot of actors in my career, but Cedric has a specialness about him that I don’t see very often. He might be an angel. Cedric might be a comedy angel. Tonight, we have Thanksgiving in the donut shop and as most Thanksgivings go, it does not go well.

DS: Your show is a comedy about a small donut shop in Chicago. You spent a lot of time in your career in Chitown, what do you like the most about the city?

DK: I was there for nine years and at the iO and Second City, so Chicago is always a special place for me. I spent the majority of my time on stage and I always dig going back and seeing shows. The whole city is a great place, it was like grad school to me. I moved there when I was 24 and that was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It was an eye opening experience and it is unlike any other city in the country.

DS: You mentioned your improv experience in Chicago. You also were on Saturday Night Live for one year. What were the biggest differences between Second City and SNL?

DK: The similarities are that you are doing a live show every week. At Second City, you are doing a live show almost every night and it was great training for Saturday Night Live because it is also sketch comedy and you’re in front of a live audience. SNL is more intense because you don’t know what you are going to be on week to week. You could write a piece that may not get on the air. The other part is you work with a new star and new band every week. It was an interesting and intense experience.

DS: You’ve done over 160 television shows and films in your career. How do you approach a character like Tush in Superior Donuts versus a role in a movie?

DK: Well, movies are different because it is a one time experience. You have one shot to do this and everyone is coming together for this unique experience, which is cool. Often times in movies, you get more latitude in developing the character. In TV, it’s a writers medium. They are the driving force week to week. You work together to shape their vision. In television, you do it for a week and then it is gone. You develop a character over the course of the season.

DS: How did your career shift from just paying the bills with acting to making a career out of being an actor and comedian?

DK: It happened when I got hired as a company member at Second City because then I had a job. Before that, I was working as a bartender and a waiter. Once I got to Second City, I got a job as an actor and it’s an equity job too. Not only do you have a job, but you also have a job that pays your insurance. That’s the only thing you have to do then and that’s when I became a working actor. That was the tipping point. Being on Saturday Night Live introduced me to the rest of the entertainment world.

DS: How would you describe your character Carl “Tush” Tushinski to people who haven’t seen “Superior Donuts?”

DK: Tush is a survivor. Tush had a job at a factory for years and then it closed and now he literally gets a new job every week just to survive.

“Superior Donuts” airs Monday nights at 9pm EST/PST on CBS.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/20/david-koechner-superior-donuts/feed/0‘Cabe Gallo Has Moral Integrity’: Robert Patrick On CBS’s Scorpionhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/20/robert-patrick-scorpion/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/20/robert-patrick-scorpion/#respondMon, 20 Nov 2017 18:06:09 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=323051Actor Robert Patrick discusses his work on "Scorpion" and his career in Hollywood.]]>

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Reese Witherspoon and Matthew McConaughey. These are just a few of the award-winning actors and actresses Robert Patrick has worked with during his lengthy career in Hollywood. When you think of Patrick, you think about some of the darkest villains from the last 20 years- T-1000 from “Terminator 2,” Jackson Herveaux from “True Blood” and Gary Tison from “Last Rampage.” There have been plenty of bad guys and plenty of law enforcement agents scattered in the 144 characters Patrick has played in his career.

The Georgia native recently turned 59, but is still going strong as Agent Cabe Gallo in the CBS drama “Scorpion.” Gallo is a Special Agent for the US Department of Homeland Security and is in charge of Team Scorpion. “Scorpion” is in its fourth season on CBS.

Patrick recently talked with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about why “Scorpion” is such a unique show, the proudest moments of his career and how the late Johnny Cash impacted him.

DJ Sixsmith: What’s the biggest difference between the actor you are now and the actor you were at the beginning of you career?

Robert Patrick: I’m a lot more confident in my abilities and the things that I’m willing to try. I think that’s the biggest difference. I believe I’ve done 144 different characters at this point in my career. I’ve gotten to work with some really great people over the years. Acting is a craft and the more you do it, the better you get. If you’re willing to learn and willing to grow within the craft itself, you can’t help but get better.

DS: Speaking of the roles you’ve played, what is your favorite character trait that Agent Cabe Gallo possesses?

RP: My favorite character trait of Agent Gallo is that he is an ideal. Agent Gallo represents the alpha male that we’re all hoping exists out there. He has a lot of virtue and a clear understanding of what’s right and what’s wrong. He has moral integrity. He’s willing to stand up for what he believes in. I really enjoy those aspects of it. He is an ideal and that’s something I have a tough time living up to on a daily basis. It’s something I’m very comfortable playing right now. I’m the father to five geniuses, it’s really neat.

DS: What’s the biggest reason “Scorpion” has built such a strong following?

RP: “Scorpion” is one of the most unique shows on television right now. On the surface, it’s a drama, but there are so many comedic aspects to it. The characters and their relationships are what is most attractive to the audience. The chemistry of the cast, how we interact, how we deal with different things, how we treat each other and the things that make us something very appealing that you want to invite into your home each week.

DS: You mentioned before that you’ve worked with some great people over the years. What’s been the proudest moment of your career?

RP: There’s been so many different things that I’ve gotten to do. Most recently, I did a film and got the best reviews of my life! The film is called “Last Rampage: The Escape of Gary Tison” and it’s one of the darkest characters I’ve ever played. Gary Tison escaped from a prison in Arizona in 1978 with the help of his three teenage boys. I like pushing myself doing things that are different and varied. I keep thinking that the next great role is right out there in the future for me. I’m proud of “Cop Land,” “Walk The Line,” “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” and I’m equally as proud of “Scorpion.”

DS: Finally, what’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about Robert Patrick away from the screen?

RP: I’m just a church going dude, who is trying to raise his kids the best he can. I’m not as dark as a lot of the characters I play. I also just released a song called Oh Lord that I did for “Last Rampage.” There’s something that people haven’t heard. That song has a little bit of influence from Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers on there. You can also hear the influence of Johnny Cash on that song. “Walk the Line” was one of my favorite experiences. I played Cash’s father in the movie and that was the relationship that really shaped his career and his future.

“Scorpion” airs every Monday at 10pm EST on CBS.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/20/robert-patrick-scorpion/feed/0‘She’s Going To Get Rid Of Me Because She’s Gotten Rid Of All Of The Other Girls.’ Survivor Castoff Desi Williams: Post Elimination Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/16/survivor-desi-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/16/survivor-desi-interview/#respondThu, 16 Nov 2017 19:01:28 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=323005Desi Williams opens up about her time on "Survivor."]]>This week’s episode of “Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers” featured an interesting vote that didn’t add up and ultimately left Desi Williams walking away with an extinguished torch. Find out why she thought she was not going to make it past this Tribal Council and learn about her crazy day when she was told she made it on the show. Here’s her unique perspective (as told to CBS Local’s Adam Bloom).

AB: During the first tribal vote, did you notice that the vote count was off initially?

D: I did not notice the vote count was off. I feel foolish watching back that I didn’t catch on, but I had no clue to be totally honest.

AB: I think that was the first time that that had ever happened where you’re counting votes – I don’t think people necessarily do that. When they were doing the revote – where did you think you stood at that moment before the second vote was cast? Did you think Joe was going or did you feel like it was you?

D: Going into tribal council, I actually thought I was going home. I was actually more shocked when there was a tie and thought that maybe I had a little bit more hope to stick around if there was a tie the first time around. But going into tribal council, I knew there was a pretty large chance I was going home.

AB: What made you feel that way?

D: I just knew I had created a target on my back. I was a strong physical player and in the game – I knew I was a physical threat. Also I had a feeling Chrissy wanted me out. I tried to approach Chrissy one time to talk strategy and it was clear she didn’t really want to have that conversation with me. In that moment, it was like – okay Chrissy doesn’t want to work with me. She’s going to get rid of me because she’s gotten rid of all of the other girls.

AB: I want to go back to that first immunity challenge after the merge. How difficult was that challenge and can you ever see a rotating ball again? How did it feel to win that first immunity and how difficult was it because that was so impressive.

D: I appreciate it. It was certainly a fun win but I’m going to be the a**hole who actually didn’t find it all that challenging. There was a point that I didn’t do well because I would have put a larger target on my back. I wanted to look at Ashley and say – I can literally do this for hours – you should go ahead and drop that ball because you’re just wasting your time and energy. For whatever reason, that came very natural to me. I found a song in my head and the cadence of the song was perfect to keep the ball rolling without me having to go too fast. So I found a song – I sang that song in my head over and over again. I’ve been a yoga instructor for 10 years so balance isn’t really an issue for me. I literally could have done that for hours and of course I didn’t go back to camp and tell anyone. I acted like it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I guess it was the challenge for me – it just came naturally.

AB: Can you share what that song was?

D: Sure – it’s my fight song. It’s “Encore” by JAY-Z – nothing fancy or over the top. I sang that over and over again so that worked in immunity challenge number one – but did not work for me in challenge number two.

AB: Can you talk about the day you found out that you were going to be on “Survivor”? Do you remember what that day was like and how you felt at that time?

D: I actually do remember that day because there was a series of unfortunate events and then nestled in there was, “You’re going to be on ‘Survivor.’” I left work – I had a doctor’s appointment. It was Valentine’s Day and I didn’t have a date, so I was a little bummed about that. So I’m driving back to work and I get a call saying I’m going to be on “Survivor” and I have this ultimate high. Then 10 minutes later, my car literally breaks down and explodes into smoke on the side of the road. I had to get it towed and get an Uber back to work. It was the worst Valentine’s Day ever except for the fact that I found out I was going to be on “Survivor.” That was my little cloud of hope in an otherwise dismal day.

AB: When you look back at your experience – what was the most difficult thing you remember from it? If somebody were to go on the show – what advice would you give them and what was the most difficult thing for you personally being away for that period of time?

D: For me, it really wasn’t being away – it was the mental component of the game. I know I said this to people after the show – especially for people who stay on the show a long time – I just beg them to learn to trust people again. Inherent in this show is that you cannot trust anyone. We all know it’s a game that becomes your life for 39 days and really before that because you’re thinking survivor as you prepare to go on the show “Survivor.” The hardest thing for me was knowing or reminding myself that everybody is lying to me in this game. The only person that has told me the truth is Joe and everybody else is lying to my face. But that’s not real life and I had to remind myself that when I return to real life – it’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to tell the truth to people and they won’t use that truth against you. I think that’s the hardest part – reminding yourself that it’s a game. You can come out of the game and return to life hopefully the same person or a better version of yourself than you were before the game. I think had I stayed in the game longer and had done more deceitful things – I don’t know that I would have returned the same honest person I was.

Parenting in 2017 requires a new set of rules. That is one of the many issues Matt LeBlanc and Liza Snyder dive into on their CBS sitcom “Man With A Plan.” LeBlanc plays Adam, an old-school guy dealing with the modern challenges of parenting, family and marriage. Snyder meanwhile is LeBlanc’s co-star Andi, who is Adam’s wife and deals with the struggles of balancing work life and family life.

Season Two of “Man With A Plan” premieres tonight and LeBlanc and Snyder chatted with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about what viewers can expect this season, parenting today’s generation of kids and why their sitcom feels like its been on the air for years.

DJ Sixsmith: What’s been the best part about working on “Man With A Plan?”

Liza Snyder: Mine is that I get to work with you Matt. See what I did there. But I really have learned so much from Matt. We have such a great job and we have so much fun. We shouldn’t be allowed to have this much fun at a job. The live audience provides great energy. Our cast, crew and writers are so tremendous. It’s a good time.

Matt LeBlanc: For me, it always starts on the page. You have to have good material. If you don’t have good material, you are already fighting a losing battle. I feel like we have good material and a great group of actors to put that material on its feet. It doesn’t feel like a new show, it feels like a show that’s been on for a while. It’s funny because a lot of the crew is from “Friends” and I’ve known them for years and years. I think we have a group of actors that have a really high standard of work ethic. Everyone is willing to go the extra mile and make sure things are right. I’m proud to be part of that. The focal relationship in the show is Andi and Adam and working with Liza is great. I don’t have to worry about her because she’s a pro. It’s a good time. All we’re trying to do is give people a half hour of escapism and laugh and forget about their problems between 8:30pm-9pm EST on a Monday night.

DS: How have your characters Andi and Adam grown heading into Season Two?

LS: Last year, Andi went back to work and there was a lot of turmoil in the house and everyone was trying to find their new roles. This year, everyone is more settled into their role. I think Andi was struggling with not being around as much. She used to have her hands in everything. I think Andi will have a few struggles not being around for things and not having things done the way she would’ve done them. Now Adam is doing it the way he wants to do it. That never causes any problems!

ML: Adam this year is a little more outspoken on his opinions of how to raise kids today versus how he was raised. He is constantly pointing out the differences in how much easier it was back then to be a parent than it is today.

DS: What is the most difficult part about being a parent today?

ML: Kids today feel like they’re a little more worldly at a young age. They have more resources at their fingertips. They’re harder to outsmart and you can’t pull the wool over their eyes like the wool was pulled over my eyes as a kid. If I wanted to look something up, I had to do that in an encyclopedia! Now kids have a super computer in their hands at all times. It’s interesting how we as a society are adapting to how big of a role technology plays in our lives. It’s a struggle and each generation has their unique set of problems. That’s what Adam struggles with. He struggles with how this generation compares to his parents’ generation.

DS: The new season of “Man With A Plan” premieres tonight. What do you want the audience to walk away thinking after tonight’s episode and after watching this season?

LS: I think the most important thing to us on the show is to take a moment to grab some joy and have some laughs with people who love each other and care about each other. Laughing is the best medicine. That’s what I hope people get out of this.

ML: We’re not dealing with global warming here! We’re a half hour television show that hopes to alleviate some anxiety for people. We want you to come for a half hour and have some laughs and see a bit of yourself as a parent or a child. We try to deal with families and things that people relate to.

DS: Finally, you both have worked many different roles in your careers. What’s the key to having longevity and success in the television industry?

LS: Prayer!

ML: You try to choose good material. If you’re at a party and someone tells you a crappy story, you tend not to listen. If someone is telling you a great story, you’re really focused. You try to choose materials that tell good stories and work with writers that tell good stories. I feel like I’ve been fortunate.

Watch “Man With A Plan” tonight starring Matt and Liza at 8:30pm EST on CBS.

Actress Lina Esco only takes roles that she respects. Esco has a great deal of respect for Christina “Chris” Alonso, the character she plays on CBS’s “S.W.A.T.” While the Miami native has worked in movies alongside Miley Cyrus and Chris Evans and television shows with Jimmy Smits and Will Arnett, her role as Chris Alonso is an important one given the state of our country and her life as an activist.

Esco recently stopped by the CBS Local Studio in New York to discuss what people can expect on “S.W.A.T.”, what it’s like to work with Moore and why this show is different from other dramas on network television.

“What separates us from other shows in these kinds of genres is the funny moments,” Esco told CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith. “Its the lighter moments of the heaviness of the subject of what we’re dealing with every day.”

The training for this role was intense and the cast has been a huge asset to Esco. Particularly Moore, who plays the S.W.A.T. team’s leader Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. Esco developed a dynamic relationship with Moore in a very short time.

“He is such a funny guy and super goofy,” Esco said. “He is a great leader on the set and is conscious of everyone’s emotions on the set. He sets the tone.

Episode two of the series airs Thursday night at 10pm EST on CBS and Esco said viewers should be ready for a lot of action and topical moments and situations that this country is going through right now.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/09/the-lighter-moments-separate-our-show-lina-esco-on-cbss-s-w-a-t/feed/0‘I think my judgement was clouded:’ Survivor Castoff Jessica Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/09/survivor-jessica-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/09/survivor-jessica-interview/#respondThu, 09 Nov 2017 18:00:43 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=322407CBS Local – We made it to the merge! The game of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ has really begun now that individual immunity is on the table. But for one castoff, the euphoria of dropping […]]]>CBS Local – We made it to the merge! The game of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ has really begun now that individual immunity is on the table. But for one castoff, the euphoria of dropping her buff was quickly snuffed. We had the chance to interview the latest castoff, Jessica Johnston. Here’s his unique perspective (as told to CBS Local’s Adam Bloom and Samantha Bennet) on her game, her ‘romance’ with Cole and the moment she realized that the tribe was going after healers.

Castoff: Jessica

AB: Did you have any idea that your name would be written down when you went to tribal? What was your initial reaction you had when your name was first said?

J: My thoughts going in – looking back I’m embarrassed to even have to admit that I was overly confident. There was an edit last night that had me say, “I’m the queen bee.” It was an awful line to use in the game. I watch the show – I knew what was coming out of my mouth but I couldn’t stop it. What do you do when you see things and you feel things – you say them. I believe that I had infiltrated Lauren and Ben. I trusted the relationships because that’s what I do in life. I build relationships – I’m great at making genuine best friends. I trusted that way too much. That’s why I said – yeah I’m the queen bee – I have nothing to worry about. So going into tribal that’s what I believed would happen. My healers would come together – I knew they would. There was no doubt in my mind. What wasn’t shown at the beginning was Joe and I had a super tight alliance – he’s someone you want to go to the end with – he’s the villain character. Of course Mike, Cole and I weren’t going anywhere because we had played this whole game together. Again, I overly trusted my relationships with Lauren and Ben. So going into tribal, Chrissy’s head is on the block – we have the numbers. If it’s not Chrissy – I’m sorry Cole – it’s going to be you or Joe. I am not in the conversation at all. I’m embarrassed to say that even during tribal – the thought “Oh God Jessica it’s you” didn’t come to my mind.

Even after Joe played his idol – he threw it around his neck – I remember thinking, “Stop it Joe. You’re causing way too much chaos way too soon. We’re putting the light on all of us.” Then when Cole made the comment, “Yeah my boys have my back.” – that should have clued me in that they’re coming after the healer but it didn’t. Had I known, I would have leaned back to Dr. Mike and I would have said, “Play the idol or I’m going to cut off your head.” You know, play the idol for me – “I’m going home” didn’t even come into my head. It was utter shock – I had no idea.

I think I screwed myself because looking at the game as a whole – I feel like I did a lot of damage control with Cole. At the merge, I made sure Joe and I were still close. I was the one who told Cole to apologize to Ben for the cinnamon sticks. I was so consumed with making sure everyone else was okay and I had my blinders on for myself which ultimately was my downfall.

SB: Speaking of the tribal with Joe taking out his idol – was it as shocking as the way we saw it on TV? Or do you think it was a smarter move on his end?

J: It was a smart move for his game – not the game of the healers. It was total chaos. Everything that was aired was true if not more extreme than what was in the edit. It was a chaotic tribal. Joe was flipping out being the character that he is – that’s who he is and that’s how he played. Throwing the idol out helped his game but ultimately it threw the light on all of us. I don’t think that he realized how he affected the rest of his alliance.

AB: Do you think having that romantic alliance with Cole put the target on your back?

J: I like to go against the grit. I hate to admit that the relationship I had with Cole had anything to do with me leaving. Let’s be honest – it did. I got two great pieces of advice before playing this game. Don’t align with the good looking guy and don’t make best friends – and I did both on day one. So I made some huge mistakes early on and fortunately when you’re pegged – what do you do in that situation? Cole and I were on the same tribe for the whole game. Was I not supposed to talk to him the whole time? We never went to tribal – so what was I supposed to do except to support what he was doing and try to save him? Ultimately, he made some stupid moves. I think everyone in America can agree. He is innocent at heart – he has no idea. I really don’t think he was being malicious. Maybe I’m naive – I will admit that. When push came to shove – he did not write my name down at the one tribal we had to test that romance or whatever it was. Did it affect my game? Yeah, I’ll admit that. I think my judgement was clouded. I think my game was ruined because I kept doing damage control at the merge instead of wondering, “Okay Jessica, is your head out there?” I didn’t even think about that thought.

SB: We’re going to assume that you’re at least rooting for Cole. But if he were to be eliminated – who would you have aligned yourself with?

J: If he were to be eliminated at the merge – I would have continued my game with Joe and Dr. Mike. I think Joe would have been a great person to align with. He had that villain role and obviously knows how to play the game. He’s thrown multiple idols. I believe he would have played the idol for another of his alliance if it came to that. However, in that moment – I really felt like I’ve had a great relationship with Ben and Lauren. So I would have had other options had Cole been taken out of the ring which probably would have benefited my game.

AB: Looking back at the game – what was the most challenging aspect for you?

J: I hate to brag but we never lost. So we lived like paradise for a while. It was great with the initial healer tribe. We had a blast – we just kept winning – our bond just kept growing. There wasn’t a lot of controversy in the first part of the game. I think the hardest part of the game was when we merged with Yawa – I was in the majority again. I thought – this is amazing and who doesn’t want this? I’m still with my boys. The hard part came when the “hangry” set in with Cole. Ultimately because we were connected – and that was obvious – his game now portrays on my game. What he does reflects on me. So there was a lot of turmoil inside and it was in my head, “Okay Jessica, if we lose, Cole has to go.” The problem with myself is I don’t like when people tell me what to do. To be honest – I’m not even sure if we has lost that I would have put Cole’s name down because I’m like – don’t tell me what to do – these are my boys and I’ll make the decision. That was probably the hardest point for me because I felt like I was constant damage control. The day of the merge was 100 percent chaotic, but because I didn’t feel like my name was out there – it wasn’t stressful. Again, it’s either Chrissy or my boy, Cole. I’ve been single for a long time – I can play this game by myself – I don’t need Cole to protect me. That’s where my mind was.

David Boreanaz has been the star of hit dramas before, but “SEAL Team” is different. Different because of the mental and physical requirements of his character Jason Hayes and different because of the raw stories about Navy SEALs being deployed into action and readjusting to life at home. CBS’s new military drama is intense and that’s one of the many reasons why it’s been so well received as Wednesday night’s most watched program.

Boreanaz talked with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about working closing with veterans, understanding the difficult plight of Navy SEALs and how playing ice hockey prepared him for the show.

David Boreanaz: I remember living on a couch and the stress that comes along with finding yourself in Los Angeles doing odd jobs and working in local theaters, commercials and other small gigs. For me, it’s kind of relevant to climbing the ropes as a Tier One guy and that is what the show “SEAL Team” is pretty much about. It’s about where they start, how they get in and how they get accepted. Once they are out there leading the charge, it’s an interesting plight. It’s one that I can look back on in my life and relate it to where I am today and use some of those experiences to apply to my character. We have 41 veterans who work on our show and it has been an enlightening experience to learn from them every day.

DS: “SEAL Team” is averaging over 10 million viewers per episode. How would you describe your experience on the show so far?

DB: Working with these Tier One guys has been great! Their head space is so uniquely driven by controlling chaos and being calm. That’s what they love. The other side of it is how they acclimate themselves back into society. We examine that character plight in our show and we understand how difficult it is and shine a light onto why they are not so accepted back into society. That’s what the show is all about and the show drives on that character stuff. It’s a workplace show and we examine that DNA.

DS: Veterans Day is coming up. What is the most important message you want your show to relay to the men and women who have worn the uniform and those people who have never served?

DB: That we are getting it right and taking the time to preciously look at all the moments in the scenes we are doing. Both when they are coming home and also being deployed. The back half of the season examines what it takes to leave your family and what it’s like to be away from your family for six month to a year and a half and have no communication with them. It’s a whole different world. CBS has allowed us to show what those characters go through. Its two shows in one. Getting into their minds has been the most exciting part. Hearing stories and applying them to those characters. Every day I learn how SEAL Team members tick. It’s both enlightening and frightening at times.

DS: You’ve been on many shows such as “Bones” that have been successful. What are the keys to creating a hit series?

DB: It’s about putting the work and the time in and finding the moments and not glossing over the little things. It’s very easy to get caught up in the time that you have and how many hours you have to shoot a show. It’s all about the passion and the drive that you have and getting it right with the right people.

DS: I know you are a big hockey guy. Who would you say you model your game after?

DB: I have a little bit of the aggressiveness of former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ron Hextall. I’m not too much of a speed or finesse kind of guy. I like to go in front of the net and play like Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. I can clean up some goals, stand in front of the goalie and cause some issues. I’m not afraid to go to the corners. I’m going all Philadelphia here as you can see, the Flyers are my favorite team. I played a lot of hockey to train for the show.

You can count on Victoria’s Secret to keep you on the forefront of what’s soft, sexy, and currently trendy in lingerie and sleepwear. Some of the newest styles and hottest fashion trends will be seen on the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway. Here’s a look at some stunning new arrivals that serve up a perfect blend of sexy, beautiful style.

Velvet

Velvet is trending right now and Victoria’s Secret is serving up a luscious line of velvet lingerie, from elegant kimonos to shimmery crushed velvet teddies, thong panties, bralettes, bras and slips. This plush fabric glides softly against your skin and keeps you feeling luxurious from morning till night.

Shimmery, Sensual, Shine

Everyone loves to shine and Victoria’s Secret helps you add some shimmer to your undergarments with its latest shiny looks. Metallic threads add a touch of gold or silver glimmer to lacy Cheeky Panties, Halter Teddies, Balconet Bras and more. A new lace-trimmed, satin slip features delicate lace side panels for a sexy reveal.

Push-Up Bras

Push-up bras remain a must-have lingerie staple and Victoria’s Secret has debuted some pretty new styles, including the Very Sexy Chantilly Lace High-neck Push Up Bra, which is a lace bra that features a dramatic front cutout. High at the neck and plunging in the front, this piece offers a very sexy, feminine version of a popular bra style. It comes in three colors: Desire (crimson), Black and Antique Lavender.

The new Dream Angels Demi Bra has “stretchier lace sides” and “softer Memory Fit lining” and the Very Sexy Quilted Satin Push-Up Bra boasts “even softer padding for a more natural feel.” And, for those who still love the soft, everyday appeal of the T-Shirt Bra, Victoria’s Secret now offers a pretty, “full coverage” option.

High-Neck Heaven

High-neck items remain trending as mentioned above with the Very Sexy Chantilly Lace High-neck Bra. High necks are also featured in the Dream Angels Floral Lace High-neck Teddy, the Very Sexy Shine High-neck Bra and the delicate, yet dramatic Very Sexy Shine Lace High-neck teddy. In the latter, the sheer, unlined teddy offers the ultimate in sexy, shimmery style. It boasts caged sides and back, a thong bottom and it just slips right on. There’s something alluring about the plunging neckline’s stylistic opposite. It spells feminine and these Victoria’s Secret High-neck styles are hot.

Cozy Flannel PJs

There’s no better way to stay cozy and warm when the winter wind blows than in a pair of soft flannel PJs. Flannel is a classic, timeless, fabric that’s comfortable and soft. Victoria’s Secret new Lounge PJ is a Henley top and flannel bottom set that is “now softer-than-ever with a hint of stretch.” This set is also lightweight, for a less bulky feel. If you’re looking for a more classic set, The Flannel PJ boasts a traditional button-up flannel top and matching lightweight pants, also with “a hint of stretch.”

It’s almost time for this year’s group of glamorous, glittering Angels to walk the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Find out what to expect from this year’s show including the location, which models are walking, who’s performing, what costumes will be featured and more in this comprehensive rundown of everything that’s happening at fashion’s most exciting entertainment extravaganza.

When, Where, and How to Watch

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is one of the most-watched fashion events on television, with 800 million viewers tuning in worldwide each year. This year’s show is taking place at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai and will air on CBS on Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. CBS All Access subscribers can watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and stream the show on mobile devices like Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, android, ROKU, Google Chromecast, and more via the mobile app.

Victoria’s Secret opened its first store in China in Shanghai. It’s a global hotspot, teeming with people, culture, and commerce, so it made sense to host the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show there, in one of the most-populated cities in the world.

“One of the great things to me about our show is that it is different, it’s a hybrid,” said Executive Producer/Director Hamish Hamilton in a behind-the-scenes “Road to the Runway” video segment. “It’s kind of a fashion show, but also an entertainment show …”

It looks like VS Fashion Show veteran Angel Behati Prinsloo won’t be walking this year, as she and husband Adam Levine are expecting their second child. Kendall Jenner also will not walk, as participating would reportedly violate her non-compete clause as the face of La Perla lingerie.

Speaking of Wings, What About Costumes?

Victoria’s Secret is teaming up with a major fashion designer, Balmain, to craft costumes for the show. Obviously, it’s all about the lingerie, highlighted of course by playful costumes and wings galore. The wings are constructed from all sorts of materials including beads, feathers, flowers, wire and more, using a myriad of vibrant colors, textures, and patterns.

Expect loads of glitter, shimmery silver, soft pink and, if there’s a shade of color that currently doesn’t exist, the passionate team of painters and artisans can even tweak current colors to produce the desired effect. Think body-sculpted pieces, cage dresses, and dramatic silhouettes. The creative boundaries are essentially limitless for the costumes as the final vision for the show is realized. Plus, a capsule collection will also launch for the first time in-store and online via the Victoria’s Secret website the day after the broadcast, on Nov. 29. That means you can catch all the looks on Nov. 28 and then shop for your favorites the next day. How exciting is that?

World-Renowned Performers

The world can’t get enough of the Victoria’s Secret Angels and the VS Fashion Show excitement is raised to the next level by a huge lineup of superstar music artists, which usually aren’t announced until the last minute. The 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show performer lineup is still being kept tightly under wraps. However, former famous exes Taylor Swift and Harry Styles are rumored to be taking the stage this year. Styles was also romantically linked to former VS Angel Kendall Jenner, and it’s widely-believed his Rolling Stones-vibed track “Only Angel” on his self-titled debut solo album was penned about her. Plus, Swift’s lead single from her upcoming sixth studio album, Reputation, “Look What You Made Me Do,” is believed to be in part about her on-again, off-again feud with Jenner’s sister Kim Kardashian and brother-in-law Kanye West.

Maybe it’s a good thing Jenner is bowing out this year. Imagine the potential drama putting them all together at this kind of global extravaganza could bring! No official confirmation of Swift or Styles’ appearance has been made, but Swift has performed at the show twice before, in 2013 and 2014. Other Victoria’s Secret musical alums include Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Swift’s Grammy-winning pal Ed Sheeran.

Stay tuned for more 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show details as they emerge and be sure to tune into the main event on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on CBS.

Betsy Brandt fell in love with acting when she went on a high school field trip to watch a play in Canada. Early in her career, Brandt just wanted to be on someone’s show. Never did the Michigan native image being part of two hit shows in “Breaking Bad” and “Life in Pieces.” While Brandt is known for many dramatic roles in her career, she plays a witty character named Heather alongside stars Colin Hanks and James Brolin on the CBS sitcom “Life In Pieces,” which begins its third season tonight at 9:30pm EST.

Brandt stopped by the CBS Local Studio to discuss “Life in Pieces”, working on “Breaking Bad” and why the Flint water crisis has been such a personal issue for her.

“I love playing Heather on Life in Pieces,” Brandt told CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith in a recent sit-down interview. “I love being part of that family. It’s such a talented group of actors and nice people.”

Brandt knows a thing or two about working with talented actors after playing Marie on “Breaking Bad.” While Brandt admits that Marie was a difficult character to get along with, she had a feeling from the get go that this show would be a hit.

“I told my husband that Breaking Bad was the best pilot I’ve ever read. It was an actor’s dream to be on that set and work with that group of actors. To watch Bryan Cranston in rehearsal before we started shooting was such a fascinating experience.”

Catch Betsy tonight on the season three premiere of “Life in Pieces” at 9:30pm EST on CBS.

39-year-old actor Colin Hanks believes the best is yet to come in his acting career. Hanks has been on hit shows such as “Fargo” and “Mad Men” and movies such as “King Kong,” but he is excited about the future challenges he’ll face and the upcoming season of his CBS sitcom “Life in Pieces.” The show enters its third season and the cast is stacked with stars like James Brolin, Betsy Brandt and Dan Bakkedahl. Hanks plays Greg Short, who worked at a crowd funding website until he quit his job.

Hanks talked with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about the new twists viewers can expect in the new season of “Life in Pieces,” his journey through show business and why this CBS sitcom is unique in his eyes.

DJ Sixsmith: Let’s talk about your early days as an actor. How did you get your start in the business?

Colin Hanks: Well, you’d have to go back in the history of television. There was a channel called the WB a long time ago and the first job I ever got was a pilot for the television show “Roswell.” That was my college learning ground. I left school because I started getting work as an actor and learned how to act for the camera on “Roswell.” There were some teen movies peppered throughout the years and I was able to work as a young actor, which was pretty exciting because it was all new at the time. Shortly thereafter, “Orange County” came around and changed things for me to a degree.

DS: Fast forward to “Life in Pieces” on CBS. The show is going into its third season. How would you describe your experience so far?

CH: It’s been really great. It’s a special thing to find something that makes it to a third year. No one wants to say how rare that actually is, but it is. It’s not lost on me. I’m really happy to be gainfully employed and still feeling like there is plenty for us to do. This show has a lot of opportunities to play with our conventions and styles and we still have some fun stories to tell. More than anything else, I love the people I work with. We have a great cast of people and I enjoy their time and company. We have a great crew. I’m very lucky.

DS: Your fellow cast member Betsy Brandt said that from day one this cast clicked. You’ve been on a lot of different television and movie sets, why did this group work so well together?

CH: I think the fact that we gelled from the get go. I was really surprised by that because it is unique. Often times, it takes a while to warm up to each other or to get to understand each other. Right out of the gate, we were firing on all cylinders and that’s pretty rare. I was really surprised by how quickly Zoe Lister-Jones and I were able to sync up and play off of each other. I also felt that with everyone else in the cast and it’s a big cast. We have a lot of people and a lot of personalities and yet we’ve all been able to support each other and help each other out. That’s a very special thing.

DS: How similar is your character Greg to who you are in real life?

CH: I feel like now there is less and less that I have in common with him. We are now in a fun area where the show is different and it’s almost like a farce more than anything else. From a comedy standpoint, that’s real exciting stuff. The character is a lot of fun to play. I’ve learned long ago to stop starting off stories with “oh there’s this one time that me and my wife” because it would inevitably end up on the show. I am trying not to do that. I’m grateful because now there will be scenes where Greg has to poop in a kiddie potty and I’m really grateful that people now know that’s his story and not mine

DS: What can “Life in Pieces” fans expect in the upcoming season?

CH: I think the thing that our show does pretty well is that we’re able to take those little life stories that on the surface seem small and innocuous, but ultimately they are bonding experiences with your family. We have plenty of those. Sometimes, it’s something as simple as forgetting the name of your boss’s wife to getting a kid to stop using a pacifier. Those are just the ones that Greg and Jen are going through. We have plenty of great sketches this season. I’m really excited that they are all finally airing.

DS: Finally, what’s been the greatest challenge of your career?

CH: I don’t know if there’s any specific big challenge for me. I think just the fact that I’m still around is enough. There’s plenty of times that I sit there and wonder if my window has closed. It’s really more of a game of perseverance than anything else. I’ve been pretty fortunate to have a career in show business for as long as I’ve had. I’ve always really loved the fact that the job that I chose is one that I love and is one that I will never sit there and say I’ve done everything that there is to do in show business. That’ll never happen. I’m fortunate that I can do this for the rest of my life now. I’m more excited about the challenges coming up as opposed to the challenges conquered. It’s not about how many challenges or fears you’ve conquered, it’s about facing them. I’m just happy that I’m still around.

Season three of “Life in Pieces” premieres tonight at 9:30pm EST on CBS. Due to the New York Jets game, CBS prime time programming in New York will air on its sister station WLNY. That is channel 10 or channel 55 depending on your cable carrier. It can be seen everywhere else on CBS. Check your local listings.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/i-love-the-people-i-work-with-colin-hanks-on-cbs-sitcom-life-in-pieces/feed/0“Everything Going Well For Him Went Wrong For Me.” ‘Survivor’ Castoff Ali Elliott: Post Elimination Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/survivor-ali-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/survivor-ali-interview/#respondThu, 02 Nov 2017 19:01:44 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=321740CBS Local – If you watched the previews for next week’s episode of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ , you may feel worse for the most recent castoff, Ali Elloitt, who missed the famous ‘merge’ by […]]]>CBS Local – If you watched the previews for next week’s episode of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ , you may feel worse for the most recent castoff, Ali Elloitt, who missed the famous ‘merge’ by one tribal council. We talked to about that, and her interactions with tribe mate Ryan. Here’s her unique perspective (as told to CBS Local’s Samantha Bennet).

Castoff: Alexandrea “Ali” Elliott

S: I always feel for the person who is voted off first on “Survivor” because you never get your shot, but I feel second worst for the one who just missed the merge. So how do you feel knowing you just missed the merge?

A: It’s a bit disheartening. During the game, I was setting myself up for the merge. I was trying to do the easiest things possible to get the merge. It sucks, but I still enjoyed every single moment that I got out there.

S: I thought you had a really solid game play as compared to the others- like JP who almost seemed too laid back. Why do you think you were chosen over him in terms of the elimination even though everyone talked about him being a physical threat?

A: I think at that moment – my fate was decided with the rules. If Ryan thought he could continue to work with me towards the merge than he could have filled me in the work vote, so I knew from there that Ryan had already picked JP. He already sealed that so I had to backtrack in hopes that they would trust me again and think that they could work with me further. In that moment – after he didn’t include me in that work vote – he had no choice but to vote me out because I would have never chosen him again.

S: Knowing what you know now – if you could have played your game differently – would you have done anything different or are you still satisfied with how you played?

A: I honestly don’t think I would have done anything different. I had no idea about a “super idol.” Going into the swap – I’m thinking we need three and I don’t care who those three are. Me already being close with Ryan, Chrissy and the one who is all alone was the only option that I thought we had. I didn’t want to go two and two with Chrissy and JP and possibly go to rocks. I didn’t see that as being beneficial – but because I didn’t know about this pre-established relationship between Ryan and Chrissy – I was already in the dark. And with Ryan not filling me in on that – he had already put me in the dark. There went my game. His “super idol” advantage was my disadvantage.

S: A lot of people around the internet are thinking this is Ryan’s game to lose. Do you agree with that?

A: I do. Even while watching last night – they do show him a lot. He narrates this game a lot. It’s getting to be much – there was a lot of Ryan. With everything that he’s been given in this game – he is set up. For me to have such an unlucky game – it came from his luck because everything that was going well for him went wrong for me.

S: There’s always a typical type of “Survivor” character and Ryan is one of those – the mastermind scrawny guy who is not the physical threat but he has to figure out another way to play. He calls himself a weasel.

A: People don’t think that Ryan being as small as he is is an advantage – but looking at Ryan, you think – “I could always vote him out” – but because he is a weaker competitor, you’re thinking, “I could get rid of him whenever I want.” But he’s just going to keep going on through this game. We’ll see I guess.

S: Was the game of “Survivor” everything you expected it to be?

A: Oh yeah. Just being out there – I didn’t think it was going to be as easy as it was. I’m an outdoor girl – I love being outside and I don’t mind getting in the water. I slept great at night, I created great relationships with people, I did things I have never done. The challenges were so much fun. I’m thankful and blessed that I was able to experience something like this. My sisters, my mom, my uncle and my cousins tried out. This is a family game and for me to be able to have this experience – I’m overjoyed. There were days I’d sit up there and my mom reminded me to enjoy every moment. So I was looking around and seeing where I was and I was in awe seeing that I was actually playing a game that I’ve watched since I was a young girl.

S: I don’t think anyone has ever used the word “easy” to be honest.

A: I think it’s because everything worked out. We didn’t have bad weather. There was one night I got chewed up by bugs and I thought I might cry. But everything gets easier as time goes on. You get used to being dirty and not eating as much. I actually enjoyed it – seeing how far I could go. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it was going to be.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/survivor-ali-interview/feed/0‘Working With Allison Janney Is A True Highlight’: William Fichtner Talks “Mom”http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/working-with-allison-janney-is-a-true-highlight-william-fichtner-talks-mom/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/working-with-allison-janney-is-a-true-highlight-william-fichtner-talks-mom/#respondThu, 02 Nov 2017 18:22:15 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=321683Actor William Fichtner discusses his experience on the CBS sitcom "Mom" and working with Allison Janney and Chuck Lorre.]]>

Name a movie or television show from the last 20 years and William Fichtner has probably been in it. The Hollywood veteran is one of the most versatile actors in the business. He has been in films such as “The Dark Knight” and “Independence Day: Resurgence” and shows such as “Empire,” “Entourage” and “Prison Break.” Fichtner plays Adam on the CBS sitcom “Mom.” His character dates Bonnie, who is played by Allison Janney. The show also features stars Anna Farris and Jaime Pressly and returns for its fifth season tonight at 9pm EST.

Fichtner talked with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about his experience on “Mom,” working closely with Janney and producer Chuck Lorre and his beloved Buffalo Bills.

DJ Sixsmith: How did you get your start as an actor?

William Fichtner: We’re going way back here! I was a criminal justice major in college. I didn’t really participate in theater and really didn’t know anything about it growing up in Buffalo, NY. I was a junior in college and I got a call at the beginning of the year from an admissions counselor who said that I was short one fine arts course. I took an improvisation class because I needed to take one class. I had a really influential and awesome teacher. I still remember her name, her name was Sally Rubin. She was really encouraging. By the time I graduated a couple of years later, I really liked acting. It was enough for me to switch gears, sell my pickup truck and take a bus to New York and wait tables. That was the beginning. I felt like I started from scratch at 21 years old and wanted to figure out if I could do this.

DS: You’ve been in so many different movies and T.V. shows. What makes “Mom” work?

WF: Working as the character Adam is awesome. The show works because first of all it’s a Chuck Lorre show. I’ve worked on two sitcoms in my life and one was 25 years ago called “Grace Under Fire” with Chuck. I’m not sure about all sitcoms because I’ve only had one guy in this business ever hire me to do one and he just happens to be whom I consider the king of sitcoms. I love doing the show. The show works because of the talent that is on it. Allison and Anna are great. And it’s the writing also. Sitcom is a writer’s median. The writers are real specific and they want you to get their words right. It all starts from the top. I love being around all the folks on the show. It’s a real joy to work on a Chuck Lorre show, there’s a difference.

DS: You mentioned all of the talent on the show. What’s it been like working with Emmy award winner Allison Janney on a daily basis?

WF: I moved to New York in the summer in 1978 after college. You get to know people when you are in New York at a young age. None of you are working. You are running around serving tables or bartending. Allison is someone I’ve known for a long, long time. The first time I worked with her was in the late 1990’s. We played husband and wife in this cool little Indie film. I knew her because she was in plays with other people I knew. I knew her because I had seen the things that she has done over the years. When I came on “Mom”, it was great to see her. I am such a fun of hers. Working with Allison is the true highlight of being on “Mom.”

DS: “Mom” is going into its fifth season. What can people expect to see this season?

WF: “Mom” is going to give you what it always gives you. It’s going to be unbelievably funny, but it also takes some left and right turns that are sometimes serious. Sometimes they will hit you in the heart. The writing group led by Chuck Lorre is so unbelievably funny and witty. Every piece of humor is based on the real human experience. That’s what sets this show apart and that’s why it’s in season five.

DS: When you think about your career, you’ve been in so many different types of projects. What’s been the key to your longevity and versatility in Hollywood?

WF: I feel like I’m still a student of acting. I don’t think I’ve grown up yet as an actor. I still search and I do things because I want to do them. I don’t work for works sake. I work on things that really move me or make me want to go in that direction. At this point in my life, I hope I work for the rest of my life.

DS: Finally, you are a long suffering Buffalo Bills fan. What will it take for the Bills to snap the NFL’s longest current postseason streak and get into the playoffs?

WF: Oh boy, they certainly could make the playoffs this year. Their remaining schedule is not easy. In the last five weeks, they have two Miami games and two New England games. I think they will beat New England in one of those games this season. Do I think they’re going to beat Miami in one of those games, sure. I’m a little nervous about tonight’s game against the Jets. They play each other tough. The Jets won’t be easy. I think the Bills will finish at 10-6 and I don’t know if that’s enough to make the playoffs, but I think it might be. You got to have talent and great coaching and I think we have a great coach right now in Sean McDermott. We’ll see where he takes them.

Due to the fact that Fichtner’s Bills play the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football on CBS, “Mom” can been seen in New York on CBS’s sister station WLNY. That is channel 10 or channel 55 depending on your cable carrier. It can be seen everywhere else on CBS. Check your local listings.

After a long and winding road to Hollywood, Shemar Moore is finally going to be the leading man in a network drama. The 47-year-old stars as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in the new CBS show “S.W.A.T.” The show follows the S.W.A.T. lieutenant leader “Hondo” Harrelson, who struggles to balance his relationship with the community he grew up in and his work in law enforcement. Moore returns to CBS where he became known for his portrayal of Derek Morgan on “Criminal Minds.”

Moore talked with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about his dream job on “S.W.A.T,” making the transition from baseball to acting and why “S.W.A.T:” will be unlike any other show on network television.

DJ Sixsmith: How did you get your start as an actor?

Shemar Moore: I wanted to be a professional baseball player when I was growing up. My uncle from Boston was a very good baseball player. He was a mentor because I grew up without my father. He and my high school baseball coach were my mentors and father figures. They taught me to think outside the box and dream big and if it scares you to walk into that fear. I was a really shy kid. I used to watch kids in the acting department and I would sneak in because it wasn’t cool for an athlete to be with the actors. I would sneak in because I was curious. I watched kids that I knew from class put on wardrobe and do “Othello” and Shakespeare plays and become different people. I thought that was fascinating.

DS: What was the biggest challenge of making the transition from sports to acting?

SM: Fast forward to college where I got a communications degree with a theater arts minor. That was my first dose of acting class and lighting design and one act plays and memorizing lines. I thought that if I could act, I could give myself permission to do things in life that I couldn’t do because I was shy. When you act, you get to be someone else. I got hooked on it and never imagined it was something I would do professionally. I did some modeling work, but my butt and legs were too big. I ended up getting a GQ shaving add, which was seen by my future agent and that led to me getting a part on “The Young and The Restless.” I auditioned against 268 other guys and I somehow got the part. 24 years later, I’m going to be Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson on “S.W.A.T.”

DS: You’ve spent your career bringing many different characters to light. What is it like being Lieutenant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson?

SM: This is my dream job. It has all the pieces that I know I can flourish in. I’m very proud that I get to be a lead. Everything that I’ve done from Derek Morgan on “Criminal Minds” to Malcolm Winters on “The Young And The Restless” groomed me. I treat my acting career like school. “The Young And The Restless” was high school and I felt the need to graduate. “Criminal Minds” was the next step and I treated that like college. I did all I could with the character of Derek Morgan. I tell my fans all the time that you are witnessing the journey of a dreamer. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson is Derek Morgan on steroids and not just physically. I gained 10 pounds for the role. Hondo is a S.W.A.T. member and the members of this show have a responsibility to make things authentic for the men and women that serve. We want to pay homage for the men and women that see life and death situations every day.

DS: How would you define S.W.A.T as a show?

SM: First and foremost, S.W.A.T. is a fun show. I think with what’s going on in this country, we need to all come together. I emphasize together. Black, white, men, women, young, old, it doesn’t matter. Let’s just have some fun together. It’s a fun show, but it is going to surprise some people because it is a poignant show and a relevant show. The only thing similar to the movie and the show 15 years ago is the theme song. We’ve put some stank on the theme song and slowed it down and put some bass on it. You are getting the name, the franchise and the theme song, but other than that it’s a whole new take on S.W.A.T. It’s showcasing the real humanity of the men and women in S.W.A.T. and also the real life issues of our civilians. There’s fear and distrust and we are going to tackle some of those issues. On network television, there is no show like what S.W.A.T. will bring.

DS: Why will S.W.A.T. be different than other shows on television?

SM: S.W.A.T is a breath of fresh air. I believe it is raising the bar for the way you put television shows together. It represents a lot of diversity and not just with the faces on the screen. Right now, there’s “How To Get Away With Murder,” “Empire,” “Scandal,” “Blackish” and now there will be a non-black one hour drama and I’m one of the only African-American male leads on television. I’m proud of that. It’s a heavy responsibility, but it also sheds light on a void. I think that television is starting to get that it has to keep up with real life. We are seeing a movement towards more diverse characters, diverse lead actors and diverse storytelling. S.W.A.T. is very representative of that movement.

S.W.A.T. premieres tonight at 10pm EST on CBS & CBS All Access. In New York, due to Thursday Night Football, S.W.A.T. will air on CBS’s sister station WLNY. That is channel 10 or channel 55 depending on your cable carrier. Check your local listings.

Deborah Norville has been hosting “Inside Edition” for over 20 years. The veteran anchor and two-time Emmy award winner has traveled the world, interviewed countless big name celebrities and provided the American people with hundreds of different investigative reports. Tonight, Norville and her team dive into a story that has been circling former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning for the last two decades.

Former University of Tennessee trainer Dr. Jamie Naughright accused Manning of sexual assault while she was working at the university back in 1996. Naughright tells her story publicly for the first time tonight to Norville on “Inside Edition.”

CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith talked with Norville about her interview with Dr. Naughright, her journalistic responsibilities and the impact of “Inside Edition.”

DJ Sixsmith:Tonight on Inside Edition, viewers will see Dr. Jamie Naughright speak out publicly for the first time about her sexual assault allegations against former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning stemming from a 1996 incident at the University of Tennessee. What kind of impact do you expect this interview to have?

Deborah Norville: This is the first time that Dr. Jamie Naughright has ever spoken publicly about what she said happened 21 years ago. There’s no question something happened in the training room at the University of Tennessee. The dispute seems to be over what that something was. Dr. Naughright said she was examining Peyton Manning’s foot for a possible injury when she says he dropped his shorts and lowered his naked back side onto her face and his genitalia fell down across her face. She said she was repulsed, she pushed him away and said she was scared. She told me she was intimidated. Peyton Manning has testified under oath in a deposition connected to this incident in which he says that it wasn’t what she described. He said he was “mooning” a teammate for one and a half or two seconds. That is the incident and the aftermath has been something that has dogged Peyton Manning for the last 20 years and continues to make headlines as recently as a year and a half ago when that incident was mentioned in a Title IX lawsuit against the University of Tennessee. It was alleged that the university had fostered a hostile environment toward women that resulted in sexual assaults. That lawsuit was later settled by the University of Tennessee for $2.48 million.

DS:Many women in all different industries have recently publicized their stories of sexual assault and rape. Why did Dr. Naughright want to share her story publicly?

DN: I think for Dr. Naughright, it was a great sense of being unburdened in sharing her story. She was inspired by the legion of women who have accused Harvey Weinstein. She felt inspired to step forward after seeing the bravery of those women. She has been under the restrictions of a non-disclosure agreement for many years after this incident happened. About a year after the incident, she left the University of Tennessee and as a part of her departure, she received a financial settlement and signed an NDA and so did Peyton Manning. Probably we would’ve heard nothing further, except a few years later Archie and Peyton Manning penned a book in which Dr. Naughright was mentioned by name. She was described as being vulgar-mouthed. A particular incident was mentioned when she brought some student athletes to the University of Virginia. The manuscript of that book appeared at her new place of employment, where she was working as an athletic trainer. After her boss read it, she read it and thought it was defamatory. She initiated legal action against the Manning’s, the publisher and the ghost writer. There was a financial settlement and the NDA continued, but the passage stayed in the book.

DS: As a journalist, how do you weigh your responsibilities of treading lightly on a delicate topic like sexual assault while also getting the information the public desires?

DN: You try to be as thorough as humanly possible. You aspire to super human efforts when it comes to that. So, you read every scrap of legal documentation you can find. You try to find as much corroborating information for both sides of the story. Peyton Manning has clearly said that what Dr. Naughright alleges did not happen. He says that it’s a lie. He goes on to say that when the claims were first investigated 21 years ago, that she told a different story. One of the challenges is the detail to which she speaks now, is not noted in any of the official documentation. What is noted is that she feared for her life and that she feared for her job. She actually called a sexual assault crisis hotline the night of the incident. She had been told by her boss not to call the cops or the press. Our job is not to fill in the gaps, our job is to put the facts out there to allow the audience to make whatever judgments they choose to make.

DS: Switching gears now, there is going to be a piece tonight on “Inside Edition” about coffee machine cleanliness. What can viewers expect to learn from this story?

DN: I have to take responsibility for this story. I was literally making a cup of coffee a few weeks ago at our free “Inside Edition” machine and I thought to myself that this coffee machine looks pretty scuzzy. I started cleaning it and was grossed out by how much sludge was coming out on the paper napkins. We do all these stories when we swab hotel rooms to show how dirty they are and I told my team that we need to swab the coffee machine. We swabbed our coffee machine and the bad news is we have E.coli! We swabbed other coffee machines in other offices and they have some nasty stuff too. One place had five different bacteria, which can cause urinary tract infection and pneumonia. Note to self, make your own coffee.

DS: Finally, “Inside Edition” is now in its 30th season. You’re a two-time Emmy Award winner and the show has won numerous awards. Why has the show had so much success?

DN: “Inside Edition” has been in this really unique place of being able to observe the broad picture of what is going on in America and we have the luxury of diving in and reporting on those few things that we think are relevant or interesting to our audience. The evening newscast is obligated to tell you everything important that happened today. We have a different mandate. Our job is to give you some perspective, occasionally weird you out with our investigations and stop and make you think. We’ve been lucky enough to do it for 30 years.

Tonight’s episode of “Inside Edition” can be seen at 7pm EST on CBS.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/30/something-happened-in-the-training-room-deborah-norville-on-peyton-manning-sexual-assault-case/feed/0‘He’s Great’: Actor Ryan Cartwright On Working with Kevin James On “Kevin Can Wait”http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/30/hes-great-actor-ryan-cartwright-on-working-with-kevin-james-on-kevin-can-wait/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/30/hes-great-actor-ryan-cartwright-on-working-with-kevin-james-on-kevin-can-wait/#respondMon, 30 Oct 2017 17:34:22 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=321340Actor Ryan Cartwright discusses his relationship with Kevin James and his role on "Kevin Can Wait."]]>

Actor Ryan Cartwright has worked with actors such as Jon Hamm and Ed Helms, but none of those experiences compare to the one he is having right now with Kevin James on “Kevin Can Wait.” Cartwright plays Chale, Kevin’s son-in-law on the CBS program and the interactions between the two are both funny and awkward at the same time.

Cartwright spoke to CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about his time on “Kevin Can Wait”, transitioning from British television to American television and explains how he and James have established such impeccable chemistry.

DJ Sixsmith: What has it been like working with the cast of Kevin Can Wait?

Ryan Cartwright: It’s great! It’s funny because I always wanted to get a little job in New York. I’m based in Los Angeles and I’m from England. I grew up seeing the beaches of LA in the movies I watched. I hadn’t really spent any time in New York. I’ve been in LA for 12 years and I was always wishing that I would get a little part that would bring me to New York for a weekend or a week or two. Then I got this part and then I found out I would be in New York for eight months out of the year! I got exactly what I wished for. The city is amazing. I didn’t realize how far out Long Island is from the city. It’s like a whole different world out there. Everyone on the show is a blast, its super fun. Kevin James acts and writes the show. When the writers say good bye to us, they go straight back into the writer’s room and they are up until 2 or 3 am.

DS: You play Kevin James’s son in law Chale in the show. How would you describe your experience working alongside Kevin James?

RC: He’s great. I notice whenever we get the new script, there is a perfect awkwardness in the scenes that are written for me and Kevin. We keep that awkwardness going in our relationship on set as well. We laugh and joke, but I don’t think we’ve had a single hand shake that’s worked out perfectly. I think if we can keep it awkward in real life, than we can keep our on-screen relationship fresh as well.

DS: You are originally from England. What is the biggest difference between British television and American television?

RC: I think it is similar now. When I left the U.K., there wasn’t British TV that was seen in the United States apart from the British Office and that was back when only DVD’s would travel to the states. Now, 12 years later you see everything. There are so many channels. Part of the golden age of TV is that America imports so much more from the U.K. and there are so many more US/UK co-productions. The sitcoms in England have much smaller writer rooms still and do only 6-10 episodes a year.

DS: You’ve been on a lot of different television and movie sets. What makes “Kevin Can Wait” special and different from other sitcoms?

RC: I think the whole Long Island element. It’s not just where Kevin is from, but his family is out there and his brother is out there. The show has a very communal feel to it. There will be references to things in the script that I don’t get, but our audience in Long Island gets it.

DS: What can viewers expect for the rest of the season from you and Kevin?

RC: Kevin and I will continue to have really good back and forth. There is a fun episode coming up where we go on a little road trip and it’s like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” We have to get along and at the same time achieve the same goal. That episode felt perfect. It was pretty easy to make him feel uncomfortable in that episode. It’s a good little adventure for the two of us.

Catch the newest episode of “Kevin Can Wait” tonight in it’s new time at 8pm EST on CBS & CBS All Access.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/30/hes-great-actor-ryan-cartwright-on-working-with-kevin-james-on-kevin-can-wait/feed/0David Koechner Rigorously Prepares For The ‘Superior Donuts’ Tour, Season 2http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/26/david-koechner-rigorously-prepares-superior-donuts-tour-2/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/26/david-koechner-rigorously-prepares-superior-donuts-tour-2/#respondThu, 26 Oct 2017 19:58:50 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=321157]]>David Koechner has a bold approach to preparing for a multi-city comedy tour. But there’s more to the man than waking up. In preparation for the season 2 premiere of “Superior Donuts” on Oct. 30 and a five-date stand-up tour with fellow cast members that kicks off tonight, Koechner spoke to CBS Local about what we can expect.

CBS Local: Are you ready for tour? How are you personally preparing for the Superior Donuts tour.

David Koechner: I just wake up. [laughs] I wake up ready, man.

Can you give us a taste of what we can expect from each of the shows on the tour?

We’ve got four stand-ups in our cast, so we had been doing shows in town under the “Superior Donuts” banner. We really enjoy each other’s company at work. We all have different varying styles of stand-up, we thought we complement each other very well. It makes for a very unique evening of entertainment. We started to put this thing together, and CBS said, “Yeah, let’s put you guys out on the road and promote the show.” There you have it. Each one of us will do 20 minutes. These things are more common now in terms of a group of guys touring together, and you get a nice variety of entertainment. And we have a blast doing it.

This tour is in promotion of season 2 of Superior Donuts. What can we expect in the second season?

Our show is great in that we tackle topical issues and relevant social topics. I’m proud of the way we do it. We introduce a topic, and we introduce two points of view. We don’t decide for the viewer. We raise up an idea. Sometimes they might be controversial. We produce both sides of the argument and let the viewer decide. Everybody has a discussion on the show, and in a funny way, which is pretty unique as to what’s going on in television right now. We deal with social issues and personal issues every week and try to put a different spin on it. It’s a really fun show to be a part of.

We have to ask: what’s your favorite type of donut?

The apple fritter is the most tempting. And I’m a bit of a fan of the twist, the glazed twist.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. We’re excited for the tour and the second season of the show.

We’re gonna have fun. Whether you come see the tour, or you watch the show, you’re in for a treat. What kind of treat? A nice fried piece of sugar type of treat.

Michael Jackson will always will be synonymous with Halloween. The late pop star’s music still resonates deeply with fans all over the world and his music videos such as “Thriller” and “Ghost” demonstrate that Jackson had a strong affinity for the scary and spooky in life. On Friday, October 27, Jackson’s fans will be able to hear his music in a brand new way when CBS premieres “Michael Jackson’s Halloween” at 8pm EST. Produced by John Branca and John McClain, the executors of Jackson’s estate, this one hour animated special features some of the King of Pop’s most iconic tracks.

Branca spoke with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about how the project came together, what it was like to work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and his long professional & personal relationship with Michael Jackson.

DJ Sixsmith: How did this animated special come to life and why did it make sense to do it on CBS?

John Branca: Michael loved Halloween, he was a big fan of it. In a way, Michael was a big kid. If you look at some of his music videos for “Thriller” and “Ghost,” they reflect that. What he did for the California Raisins commercial, he used to like to have fun. Every October, there is a huge interest in Michael and “Thriller.” We thought it was natural and logical to do something that Michael wanted to do. We surveyed the field and picked Hammerhead Productions because they are one of the best animation studios in town. In terms of CBS, we talked to Jack Sussman, who took an immediate interest in the project. CBS is obviously the best network out there. Michael had a long history of doing projects with CBS, so it was a natural combination.

DS: You mentioned how much Michael loved Halloween. What would he think of the final product you guys created?

JB: I think he would’ve loved it and had a lot of fun with it. Michael appears as several characters in the show. He appears as a pumpkin man, as a Halloween cat and as a spider and they perform some of Michael’s great dance moves. He really would’ve liked this.

DS: Lucy Liu, Jim Parsons and Alan Cumming were all part of this project. What was it like working with some of the top talent in Hollywood?

JB: They really were our first choices. Lucy Liu, Jim Parsons and Alan Cumming were all on the list of actors that CBS provided us. We were really fortunate to get them.

DS: You knew Michael for a long time. How would you describe your relationship with him?

JB: I met Michael in January of 1980 after “Off the Wall” had just been released. We worked on “Thriller” together, “Bad”, “History” and a number of his albums and tours. Michael was a perfectionist. We all know what a genius he was and a great entertainer he was. Not everyone knows what a perfectionist he was. He worked very hard to get the results that he got and for that we all really respected him.

DS: Michael’s music is still synonymous with Halloween. How did you guys incorporate his music into this animated special?

JB: We hired Kevin Antunes to put the soundtrack together. Kevin worked with us on the two Michael Jackson Cirque Du Solei shows in Las Vegas and on Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. Kevin has been a Michael Jackson fan all of his life and he has also been a musical director for Madonna. The show uses over 25 songs of Michael’s and they’re woven throughout the show and help to tell the story. If all you wanted to do is listen to the music, I think you’d really enjoy the show.

DS: When people watch this special, what do you want them to walk away thinking?

JB: I want them to walk away with a smile on their face. It’s fun. We were all just trying to have fun with this project and celebrate Michael and Halloween. There’s a lot of double entendres in this show, so it’s good for kids and good for adults.

DS: When you think about Michael’s legacy and his career, why do you think his music is still relevant?

JB: Michael was universal. He’s one of the few artists that you can say is popular in every country in the world. His music is timeless. It’s been influential to subsequent generations and current artists. Really, all the top artists today look to Michael for inspiration. New generations are continuing to discover him. We find that kids enjoy Michael’s music just as much as adults do. I think his videos are part of that as well.

“Michael Jackson’s Halloween” premieres this Friday, October 27 at 8pm EST on CBS.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/25/michael-jackson-loved-halloween-john-branca-on-cbs-animated-special/feed/0“When he read that disadvantage…I knew it was going to hurt me.” ‘Survivor’ Castoff Alan Ball: Post Elimination Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/19/survivor-alan-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/19/survivor-alan-interview/#respondThu, 19 Oct 2017 16:30:34 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=320440CBS Local – Last night’s episode of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ introduced us to a new twist in the game: the secret “disadvantage.” We talked to the castoff who felt the brunt of that disadvantage, former NFL […]]]>CBS Local – Last night’s episode of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ introduced us to a new twist in the game: the secret “disadvantage.” We talked to the castoff who felt the brunt of that disadvantage, former NFL player Alan Ball. Here’s his unique perspective (as told to CBS Local’s Adam Bloom and Samantha Bennet) on sharing an island with Joe, and that surprising tribal council.

Castoff: Alan Ball

SB: We’ve seen a lot of advantages on “Survivor” but last night was the first time you saw a disadvantage. How does that feel to be part of that “Survivor” history even though it didn’t turn out so well for you?

A: It sucked! They rolled something out and I’m the one that goes home as a result – I mean it obviously sucks. But it was cool. When that came out – I felt right then that this is so crazy that I’m probably going home right now. Before they played the idol – when I heard Devon read the disadvantage – things are shaping up for me to go home. This is getting strange – I’m going home. That’s when I started to feel that.

AB: I recall in your post game in the interview – you had speculated that Devon might have had something to do with that advantage, but now you see how it played out. How did he make you feel?

A: I felt Devon was a good guy. It eased me on thinking he wasn’t. My suspicion was Devon was somebody that we had the same goal and that was getting rid of Joe and Desi. When he read it – it was like I didn’t know where he was at. So this could go either way going into tribal. When he read that disadvantage – it didn’t put me at ease because I knew it was going to hurt me. But at the end of the day watching the show – it made me feel better that I knew I could trust Devon going in. So I felt at ease with the fact that I was right about who he was and how he was playing the game. It put me at ease in a sense of who he was.

SB: It seemed like last night had two tribal councils – the actual official one and then the crazy stuff that happened on the beach. For us on the couch watching TV seemed really crazy – but it must have been nuts in person!

A: Yeah it’s tough for them to show everything that goes on in that little amount of time. Tribal was intense but the conversation on the beach was more intense. I was known as the crazy guy and as I’m sitting there – I’m not even the one being crazy. Most of the time – I get all of the ruckus started if I want to. It was getting away from me! That’s why at the end I walked off – I’m like look – I can’t even handle this one. This is getting out of reach for me and it was intense. I think those couple of days after we switched tribes were intense. I was annoyed the entire time – Joe was so annoying. It was all weighing me down and when they got to tribal all of that weight just came out. No matter what happened – I was voting for Joe. I didn’t care at that point. This tribe isn’t going to last with him and I in it – I can’t take him anymore. He has to go or I have to go so we have to figure it out and the votes are going to lie how they’re going to lie.

AB: I loved the way you handled it at the beach where you confront Joe saying: ‘Who do you want then?’

A: He threw it out there. It baffled me. How do you bring something up and expect everybody else to roll out all of the information that you want them to roll out but you sit there and not say anything? So if you’re going to start this conversation – you keep it going. No one else had anything to say but you. At the end of the day – talk about it. Say what you want to say – say how you feel. Don’t beat around the bush – say what you feel because I’m going to say what I feel no matter what. Don’t sit up and say you’re like me and you say what you feel – then you beat around the bush – because you’re not like me if that’s the case. So say what you feel!

AB: I thought handled that beautifully.

A: Thank you!

SB: Unfortunately, your time on “Survivor” was cut short but what was your favorite part about playing this game?

A: There’s so much. It was definitely a fun game – I didn’t expect it to be that fun. My favorite part was just being out there. A lot of times in our everyday lives we don’t realize how blessed and fortunate we are. We keep a cell phone on our person at all times. We always have access to things that we want. We’re always able to do the things that we want to do. Just to be put out there and not be able to do the things that you want to do but instead do the things that you can do to make things work if that makes sense. That tranquillity of being out there being away – the nights were beautiful. I’ve never watched a moon go from one side of the sky to the other side of the sky. I’ve never been in a situation where the moon was my light for the night and sitting by the fire. I think those moments for me were the best because the world just slowed down. I think it’s a beautiful thing to see how if you really just embrace nature. What a beautiful thing it is. There’s so many distractions in our everyday lives that we don’t get to see that enough. That was the best part for me.

AB: On the flip side – what was the most difficult challenge about being out there?

A: Having to work with and be in the same tribe as Joe.

AB: I really hope we get to see you again. Would you want to play the game again if you have the opportunity?

A: Absolutely. I don’t think there’s any question in my mind and I don’t think there’s any question in my wife’s mind. I think she’d be happy to see me and I’d be happy to go. So there’s no question in my mind if I would do it again – absolutely. I would love to.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/19/survivor-alan-interview/feed/0‘Ron Is Used To Getting His Way’: Brad Garrett On Butting Heads With Dr. Bullhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/17/brad-garrett-bull/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/17/brad-garrett-bull/#respondTue, 17 Oct 2017 21:03:34 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=320258Brad Garrett spoke to CBS Local about his experience joining the cast of Bull as tonight's guest star.]]>Dr. Bull (Michael Weatherly) isn’t the type to relinquish control. But neither is Ron Getman (Brad Garrett), the attorney Bull hires to defend him in a trial on episode four of this season of Bull. Brad Garrett spoke to CBS Local about his experience joining the cast of Bull as tonight’s guest star and what it was like butting heads with Michael Weatherly in tonight’s episode.

You’re guest starring in the next episode of Bull where you’ll be playing Dr. Bull’s attorney, Ron Getman. What drew you to this role and made you want to join the cast for this episode?

It comes down to the wonderful writing. They approached me with this idea that they had come up with, to play this eccentric polar opposite of Bull in a case where he needed a strong type of alpha dog attorney. They sent me the script and I was honored and on-board. I thought it was a great dynamic for them to have.

Ron definitely seems like he’s not afraid to challenge his client. Is this going to be a smooth trial for Bull?

I don’t think it’s going to be smooth because Bull likes to run the show. I think that’s one of the fun things that unravels in the episode. Ron Getman is used to getting his way and Bull is used to getting his way. That’s where a lot of the fun and energy emanates from. Hopefully, Bull will listen in the end. He does listen in the end, right? I haven’t seen it. [laughs]

We’ll see. You and Michael seem like you have a lot of fun going back and forth on-screen. What was it like working with him and the rest of the cast?

I know this sounds cliche, but it was such a great group. We had a lot of fun. The cast, the crew, everyone was great. And of course, that comes from the top. Michael has a great rapport with everyone. It’s loose, it’s fun, we were able to try things. The director was open to some parts where we were able to improv a little bit. Michael’s a very available actor. He’s focused, he’s right there. It felt like a very natural transition for me. Everyone was very welcoming. We really had a blast. It was a lot of fun and I was said to see it go at the end of the day. It was a great experience.

How do you approach a guest role for a show that’s been on for some time? Is there a special freedom in being able to come in and add your own flavor to a new character that’s not a regular?

That’s a great question. There is some of that freedom, but you need to stay true and loyal to the writing. They knew I had a little bit of an improv way of working and they were open to that. You shoot it a couple ways the way they want it, and then you maybe do a take or two a little looser with some ideas you have. It was very collaborative. As far as a guest star coming aboard, you hopefully complement the show by your role and know what your place is.

We look forward to seeing Ron’s place when the episode airs. Thanks a lot for talking to us.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/17/brad-garrett-bull/feed/0‘We Were Really In This Family Sandwich’: Mark Feuerstein Talks Inspiration For ‘9JKL’http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/17/family-sandwich-mark-feuerstein-9jkl/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/17/family-sandwich-mark-feuerstein-9jkl/#respondTue, 17 Oct 2017 15:35:39 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=3201559JKL creator, executive producer and star Mark Feuerstein talks about family and his new show '9JKL.']]>As co-creator, executive producer and star, Mark Feuerstein may have a lot on his plate now that the first season of his new show 9JKL is underway. Thankfully, legal issues are not a concern. The show, about actor Josh Roberts who lives in an apartment adjacent to his parents on one side and his brother and sister-in-law on the other, is based on Feuerstein’s personal experience. For a show that draws so heavily on his personal life, he’s not worried about the legal ramifications of writing scenes based on real people and events. He recently reassured CBS Local that his brother and father –both lawyers — are more scrupulous than any network legal department ever could be. He also talked about how his family is supportive — or, at least, put up with it — when episodes or characters are based on them, and raved about working with the legendary Elliot Gould and Linda Lavin, who play his parents on the show.

Can you set up 9JKL and tell us how this story that’s inspired by your life came together?

For eight years, we shot Royal Pains in New York, and since my wife and my kids were in LA, to save money, I stayed in the apartment that my parents owned, next to the apartment that I grew up in. So I was living in 9K, and my parents were in 9J, and I was basically a freeloader. My father would come in every morning in his underwear and say, “Hey Mark, what do you want for breakfast? You want scrambled eggs? You want French toast?” And every night, after a 15 hour day of shooting on Long Island, I would come home and my mother would be waiting by the door like a gunslinger in a nightgown. As my fingers would graze the doorknob, she’d rip it open and go, “Hi Mark, would you like to come in for a black-and-white cookie?” Of course, being a dutiful, good son, I’d go in and listen to the list of women she met on Madison Avenue and count the number of blocks she walked. Which was always a fun activity at 11:30 at night.

There were two years where my brother and his wife and their baby lived on 9L on the other side. We were really in this Feuerstein family sandwich. We were 9J, 9K, and 9L. When I spoke to a producer about it, we said, “Hey, this might be a good idea for a TV show.”

On the show you’re working with the legendary Elliot Gould and Linda Lavin. Were your parents happy to be played by them on the show?

They were thrilled. We got our first choices with pretty much every part on the show. You can’t do better than Elliot Gould or Linda Lavin. These are legends. There were other names on lists, but none of them invoked the same amount of joy in my father and my mother respectively. They’re one-of-a-kind talents and human beings. They’re different from my real parents. Elliot as Harry is a little less of a domineering or intense person, and in the hands of Linda Lavin, Judy is far more domineering than my actual mother is.

This show is heavily inspired by your life. When you’re coming up with ideas for episodes and taking from your personal lives, are you worried about people close to you trying to find themselves too much in the show? Or do you run disclaimers by people? Or do you try not to think about that?

That’s a great question. The truth is, I was smart enough to base those stories that are true on things that happened with my actual parents and my brother, who, because of the nature of family, and you can’t live with them and can’t live without them, would never have disowned me or excommunicated me. They kind of had to accept what I was telling them. They were very gracious about it, and very excited. They’re incredibly supportive. When it comes to other things that might be loosely based in reality, like names or something: I do come from a family of lawyers. My father and my brother respectively. So when they hear that our friend Barry Stein’s name is being used, my brother will give me a call and say, “Dude, you can’t mention Barry Stein. Or you gotta check with Barry, because who knows if he’s gonna be okay with that or if that’s a legal issue.” They’re more paranoid than the CBS legal department. So we’re not going to get in any trouble because we’re duly protected.

We’re glad you have great legal consultation! We’re excited to see the rest of the season.

Thank you so much.

9JKL airs Mondays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS. For more info, check your local listings.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/17/family-sandwich-mark-feuerstein-9jkl/feed/0‘I’m just slightly disappointed in myself’: ‘Survivor Castoff Patrick: Post Elimination Q&Ahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/12/survivor-patrick-interview/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2017/10/12/survivor-patrick-interview/#respondThu, 12 Oct 2017 18:06:45 +0000Only CBS – CBS Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=319741CBS Local – Another episode of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ means another torch has been snuffed. We had the chance to interview the third cast off of the new season, small business owner, Patrick Bolton. Here’s his unique […]]]>CBS Local – Another episode of ‘Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers’ means another torch has been snuffed. We had the chance to interview the third cast off of the new season, small business owner, Patrick Bolton. Here’s his unique perspective (as told to CBS Local’s Adam Bloom and Samantha Bennet) on being the red head on the island and his initial reaction to being voted off.

Castoff: Patrick

AB: It seemed as though in tribal you were surprised and seemed a little bit angry about being voted off as rightly so. Are you still angry about being voted off as you were after the elimination? How are you feeling now?

P: Watching last night brought back all of the emotions. I was definitely so frustrated going home. I was really mad at Ryan and Ali – especially those two – and those were very true emotions. I was pissed to say the least. I thought Lauren was going home. As you could tell it was a shock to me and watching my facial expressions – it was not really expected. I don’t take back anything I’ve said as far as my leaving interview. It was just rough – it wasn’t my time to go.

SB: Lauren said she never trusted a redhead. How did you feel about that?

P: “I’ve never trusted a redhead in my life,” those were the final words. It’s ridiculous – it doesn’t affect me or offend me. It’s hard to get under my skin. It didn’t bother me that she said that. I just think it makes her small-minded and makes her sound a little crazy. I’m sure there’s plenty of things that I did – screaming and jumping around with crabs – it probably made me look crazy. It’s just part of it.

AB: It seemed like you were having fun overall out there. It really did.

P: I was having a blast.

AB: Was it everything that you expected?

P: “Survivor” was everything I expected and more and I literally had so much fun getting the opportunity to do it – being able to meet the people I had met through “Survivor,” the CBS crew, or anybody on the game. It’s been a phenomenal experience. I would definitely take the opportunity again if it arose but I would not take it and joke around. I would literally be coming back to win a million dollars and go back home. That would be it.

SB: If you had a few more days on the island, what would you have done with your time? How would you have played your game differently?

P: If I had been able to make it passed the tribal I went home on last night – that was the first real experience as far as being frightened and the unknown of whether I was going home or not. The previous tribal – when Simone went home – I was not worried at all even though she definitely wanted to send me home. It wasn’t something that worried me. This tribal – I was a little worried so I think I would have changed my game play coming out. I think I would have really taken a turn for the better as far as keeping more stable connections and not being such a live wire – or as many people would refer to me as a wildcard. If I could get passed tonight’s tribal and make it to the next day – you see as the previews came out – there’s a tribe swap. It would have changed the entire dynamic of the game, and I missed that by just one vote. It’s very unfortunate that it’s the way I went out. I definitely could have done better. So I’m just slightly disappointed in myself.

AB: You said you wanted to learn and grow as part of this experience – what is one of the most important things you took away from this experience? What was part of that growth for you?

P: Realizing to better understand the emotions of the people around me and being able to make better friendships – being able to understand everybody’s thoughts behind me. I didn’t see other people outside Lauren – I knew she was heated with me and frustrated – I wasn’t trying to change that aspect and again, I thought she was going home so I’m not trying to build this relationship because it’s just about to leave. Taking things away from “Survivor” – I feel like the overall opportunity and being able to get to experience living life with somebody on an island knowing that every three days someone is going to leave – it’s something strange and weird about it. I definitely grew as a person just knowing and understanding my surroundings and better understanding the emotions of the people that are around me so I can help with “Survivor” sets and defend my life. “Survivor” gods got me last night.

SB: You said the emotional aspect – did you find that to be the hardest part about being on the island or were there other aspects?

P: I would not say that was the hardest part. The physical aspect of not having food was difficult for me. It doesn’t show too much of me feeling exhausted – but there were many times where I was very exhausted from being in the heat – being slightly sunburned. Thankfully I stayed in the shade and didn’t get sunburned too much. Having to go through that physical experience and not having enough food to really feel full and never feeling like I’m full of energy – obviously it did show so many moments of me with a lot of energy but that’s not the entirety of my stay there. It’s definitely something just being able to stay consistently mentally focused on the game – something else that I should have been able to do better at. There’s a lot of things that I could have done slightly different that could have changed my game play. I just didn’t take it seriously enough until right there at the end and it was too late.